Increased expression of Interleukin-1 beta is associated with persistence of the disease and invasion in complete hydatidiform moles (CHM)

Complete hydatidiform moles (CHM). a post-conceptual pathologic condition o f the placenta, have a high prevalence rate (12/1,000 deliveries) in Kerala , India. This study addresses the expression of IL-I alpha and beta by immu nohistochemistry in relation to persistence and invasion of the disease. Mi ld to moderate expression of IL-l alpha in the villous cytotrophoblasts. sy ncytiotrophoblasts and decidua of the first trimester in the normal placent a and all gestational ages in the molar placenta were observed. IL-l beta e xpression was observed in the extravillous trophoblasts. syncytiotrophoblas ts and decidua in both the normal and molar placentae and also in the villo us cytotrophoblasts and the stromal Haufbaur cells in molar placentas. Stro ng expression of IL-I beta in the placenta suggests its involvement in plac ental physiology supporting earlier reports. Higher expression of IL-1 beta correlated well with the invasive and persistent nature of the tumour and holds potential as a marker of persistence and invasion in CHM.