Conclusion
The expression of β-catenin in placenta accreta might play an important role in the regulation of placental cell invasion; low expression of β-catenin in placenta accreta might be responsible for excessive trophoblastic invasion.
Methods
We compared β-catenin expression in the control group, placenta accreta group (lesion area and normal zones), and placenta previa group (placental central and placental edge zones) by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and RT-PCR techniques.
Results
Compared with the normal group, the placenta accreta group had a longer length of stay, greater bleeding volume, and lower newborn birth weight. Further, the expression of β-catenin was lower in both placenta previa and placenta accreta groups than in the control group, as measured by immunohistochemistry. Compared with the control group, expression of β-catenin was significantly lower in the placenta previa and placenta accreta groups by Western blotting and RT-PCR. Importantly, the level of placental β-catenin was significantly different when compared between the lesion and normal zones of placenta.