Glycadelin in Obstetrical Practice: Past, Present, Practice

Abstract

The article presents a review of the literature on one of the main proteins of the human reproductive system-glycodelin. The issues of the discovery of glycodelin, the features of synthesis, different names of the protein, its functions are covered. Depending on the place of origin, the same protein skeleton is glycosylated differently, giving rise to glycodelin isoforms with different biological effects. Glycodelin A (endometrial) and F (follicular fluid) inhibit the binding of spermatozoa and zona pellucida, thereby exhibiting contraceptive properties. In contrast, glycodelin C (cumulus) stimulates the binding of spermatozoa to the zona pellucida. Glycodelin S of seminal vesicles does not have a contraceptive effect, it affects the stability of the spermatozoa membrane, controls capacitation. The pronounced immunosuppressive activity of glycodelin A contributes to successful implantation and placentation, glycodelin S promotes the formation of antisperm immunity. The role of glycodelin in human reproductive function, the pathogenesis of reproductive losses (miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth), assessment of the functional state of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and endometrium, the maternal part of the placenta, and sperm fertility are shown. The review reflects both fundamental scientific data and the results of clinical studies of glycodelin content in menstrual blood, peripheral venous blood in women and semen in men, which made it possible to develop methods for diagnosing and predicting disorders of reproductive health and reproductive function in a married couple.