P 44 Low-density-Lipoprotein-related-proteins -1, -2, and -8 in the placenta of IUGR

Abstract

Introduction Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) shows a typical drop of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) concentration levels in fetal blood. ApoE activates LDL receptor related proteins (LRP) thus greatly increases transplacental transport of lipoproteins such as LDL and VLDL. The origin of the fetal ApoE is still unknown but might be maternal. Objectives Our hypothesis is that ApoE increases the effect of transplacental cholesterol transport by induction of ApoE receptors in the placenta which is disturbed in IUGR. Methods Placentas of 40 IUGR and 40 controls (CTRL) arranged in tissue micro arrays (TMA) were analyzed immunohistochemically for LRP1, LRP8, LRP2. The expression was assessed in trophoblasts and endothelium cells semi-quantitatively using Immunoreactivity-Score (IRS). Expression values were related to maternal and fetal lipid profiles. Expression patterns were statistically accomplished via the Mann–Whitney test. Results There was a significant lower expression of LRP1 in trophoblasts and in endothelium cells in IUGR as compared to a healthy control group (p Conclusion: The significant lower expression of the LRP1 receptor in IUGR may contribute to lower ApoE concentrations in fetal blood. Further experimental studies are necessary focusing on functional aspects.