Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maistrasse 11, 80337 Munich, Germany.
Placenta. 2013 Oct;34(10):863-72. doi: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.07.005. Epub 2013 Jul 30.
Galectins are classified as lectins that share structural similarities and bind β-galactosides via a conserved carbohydrate recognition domain. So far 16 out of 19 identified galectins were shown to be present in humans and numerous studies revealed galectins as pivotal modulators of cell death, differentiation and growth. Galectins were highlighted to interact with both the adaptive and innate immune response. In the field of reproductive medicine and placenta research different roles for galectins have been proposed. Several galectins, being abundantly present at the human feto-maternal interphase and endometrium, were hypothesized to significantly contribute to endometrial receptivity and pregnancy physiology. Hence, this review outlines selected aspects of galectin action within endometrial function and at the feto-maternal interphase. Further current knowledge on galectins in reproductive and pregnancy disorders like endometriosis, abortion or preeclampsia is summarized.
半乳糖凝集素被归类为具有结构相似性的凝集素，通过保守的碳水化合物识别结构域与β-半乳糖苷结合。到目前为止，已经在人类中发现了 19 种半乳糖凝集素中的 16 种，大量研究表明半乳糖凝集素是细胞死亡、分化和生长的关键调节剂。半乳糖凝集素被强调与适应性和先天免疫反应相互作用。在生殖医学和胎盘研究领域，半乳糖凝集素具有不同的作用。几种半乳糖凝集素在人类母胎界面和子宫内膜中大量存在，被假设对半乳糖凝集素在子宫内膜容受性和妊娠生理方面有重要贡献。因此，本综述概述了半乳糖凝集素在子宫内膜功能和母胎界面中的作用的几个方面。此外，还总结了半乳糖凝集素在生殖和妊娠疾病（如子宫内膜异位症、流产或子痫前期）中的最新知识。
