Decoding recurrent pregnancy loss: insights from comparative proteomics studies

Abstract

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) represents a common disorder that affects up to 2% of the women aiming at childbirth with long-term consequences on family and society. Factors contributing to it in more than half of the cases are still unknown. Comparative proteomic analysis can provide new insights into the biological pathways underlining the pathogenesis of RPL. Until now, chorionic villi, decidua, placenta, endometrium, and maternal blood from women with RPL have been analyzed by comparative proteomics studies. In this review, we aimed to provide a critical evaluation of the published comparative studies of RPL on human samples, gathered by systematic literature search using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. We provide a detailed overview of the analyzed materials, proteomics platforms, proposed candidate biomarkers and altered pathways and processes linked with RPL. The top, most identified and validated biomarker candidates from all studies are discussed, followed by bioinformatics analysis of the available high-throughput data and presentation of common altered processes and pathways in RPL. Finally, future directions aimed at developing new and efficient therapeutic strategies are discussed as well.