Relationship between the expressions of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 and apoptosis associated genes in placenta tissues and the pathogenesis of preeclampsia

Abstract

To explore the expressions of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) and apoptosis related genes caspase-3, Bax and bcl-2 in placenta, and their associations with the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Thirty preeclampsia patients (preeclampsia group), hospitalized in Department of Obstetrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from June 2005 to December 2006, were selected as the subject group, and 40 normal pregnant women as control group. The expressions of LOX-1 and apoptosis related genes caspase-3, Bax and bcl-2 in different gestational weeks' placenta tissues were examined using immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR and western-blot. (1) Immunohistochemical detection in preeclampsia group: at 20 w+1 -24 w, 24 w+1 -28 w, 28 w+1 -32 w, 32 w+1 -36 w, 36 w+1 -40 w, respectively, the results of LOX-1 were 20.1 +/- 1.8, 25.6 +/- 1.3, 32.8 +/- 1.6, 34.3 +/- 1.5, 39.9 +/- 1.2; in the control group they respectively were 11.2 +/- 0.6, 18.5 +/- 1.6, 26.1 +/- 1.8, 28.3 +/- 1.6, 32.3 +/- 1.6; the difference was significant (P<0.05). In preeclampsia group, the results of caspase-3 were 12.3 +/- 0.9, 16.3 +/- 0.9, 24.4 +/- 0.8, 28.3 +/- 0.5, 36.3 +/- 1.1, and in the control group they respectively were 8.5 +/- 1.0, 12. 3 +/- 1.1, 17.4 +/- 1.2, 20.4 +/- 0.5, 24.2 +/- 1.3; the differences were significant (P<0.05). (2) RT-PCR and western-blot test: The expressions of LOX-1, caspase-3 and Bax mRNA and protein in placentas of preeclampsia group were stronger than those in normal pregnant women at different gestational weeks (P<0.05). However, the expression tendency of bcl-2 mRNA and proten was converse to the expression tendency of Bax. The expressions of LOX-1, caspase-3, and Bax are upregulated in placentas of preeclampsia patients, while bcl-2 is downregulated, both of which are associated with the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.