Complex expression changes of the placental endothelin system in early and late onset preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction and gestational diabetes
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are major pregnancy complications affecting maternal and fetal health. The placenta and the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET-1) have a controlling and mediating role in these conditions. This study tested the hypothesis that the expression of ET-1 and its receptors (ET(A) and ET(B)) is altered in these pathologies and differs between early (gestational week [GW] ≤ 34) and late (GW > 34) third trimester pregnancies. The study included 88 women (GW 28-41) with PE (blood pressure >140/90 mmHg, protein >300 mg/24 hrs; n=14), FGR (<10th birthweight centile and pathological umbilical blood flow; n=13), PE+FGR (n=5) and GDM (n=21), and gestational age-matched controls (n=35). ET-1, ET(A) and ET(B) mRNA and ET(A) and ET(B) protein were quantified in placental tissues by real-time PCR and immunoblotting. The ET/ETR mRNA system is altered in PE and PE+FGR and GDM. Expression of ET-1, ET(A) and ET(B) is upregulated in early onset PE and PE+FGR with stronger effect in PE+FGR. GDM down regulated ET/ETR mRNA in the placentas in late third trimester of pregnancy. ET/ETR protein is virtually unchanged. Early onset PE (≤GW34) with or without FGR is associa...Continue Reading
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