Altered Endocannabinoid Signaling in Placentas from SARS-CoV-2-Infected Pregnancies

TL;DR

This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy affects the placenta, with changes in endocannabinoid signaling and inflammation.

Contribution

The study reveals novel molecular and histopathological changes in placentas from SARS-CoV-2-infected pregnancies, focusing on endocannabinoid receptor upregulation.

Findings

Placentas from SARS-CoV-2-infected pregnancies showed increased fibrinoid deposition and vascular congestion.

Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) and 2 (CNR2) were significantly upregulated in multiple placental compartments.

Bioinformatic analysis linked endocannabinoid signaling to inflammatory and vascular responses in infected placentas.

Abstract

Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy has been associated with systemic inflammatory responses and placental pathology; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying placental involvement remain incompletely understood. The endocannabinoid system plays a critical role in placental development, immune regulation, and vascular homeostasis. Materials and Methods: Placental tissues were obtained from 20 healthy pregnant women and 20 women with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who had recovered by the time of delivery. Demographic and laboratory parameters were recorded. Histopathological evaluation was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Immunohistochemical analysis of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CNR2) expression was conducted, supported by quantitative digital image analysis using QuPath. Network-based protein–protein interaction and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed to explore potential molecular mechanisms. Results: COVID-19-positive placentas exhibited prominent histopathological alterations, including increased fibrinoid deposition, syncytial knot formation, vascular congestion, and intervillous inflammatory cell infiltration. Systemic inflammatory and coagulation markers, particularly neutrophil percentage, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and fibrinogen levels, were significantly elevated in the COVID-19 group. CNR1 and CNR2 expressions were markedly increased across multiple placental compartments, including decidual cells, trophoblastic layers, syncytial knots, and Hofbauer cells. Quantitative digital analysis confirmed significant upregulation of both receptors. Bioinformatic analysis revealed enrichment of endocannabinoid signaling, cAMP-related pathways, and inflammatory mediator regulation of TRP channels. Conclusions: The findings indicate that SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with coordinated inflammatory, structural, and molecular alterations in the placenta. Upregulation of CB1 and CB2 suggests an active involvement of the endocannabinoid system in placental immune and vascular responses to COVID-19, highlighting its potential relevance for understanding placental pathology associated with maternal viral infections

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