Interaction of histological events and physiological mediators in healthy placentas from malaria-endemic area in Colombia: An approach with a factorial model

Abstract

The biological study of the placenta is fragmented and focused on morbid events. The interaction of histological events and mediators of physiological processes in healthy placentas in malaria-endemic areas is unknown. This study aimed to build a factorial model for the convergence of events and mediators in healthy placentas of women living in northwestern Colombia through a study of 44 placentas. Linear correlations and exploratory factor analysis were carried out with histological events and expression of genes related to mediators. The factor analysis allowed us the identification of three components. The first compound by the following histological variables: number of capillaries and villus, immune cells in villus, atherosis, and CD8+ lymphocytes. The second with articulation of histological variables (syncytyal nodes, fibrinoid deposits, thrombi and immune cells) and physiological mediators of apoptosis and regulation. The thirth included physiological mediators of hypoxia, angiogenesis, pro-inflammation and anti-inflammation. All components presented excellent predictive and construct validity, and excellent goodness of fit parameters. In healthy placentas, the factorial structure of histological events and physiological mediators in three underlying components that support their interactions was demonstrated. These findings are significant because they help improve the study of healthy placental biology in malaria endemic areas and evaluate mechanisms that alter its morphology and function, with their subsequent risk for pregnancy and maternal-fetal health.