Display options
Share it on

Pregnancy Hypertens. 2012 Jul;2(3):247-8. doi: 10.1016/j.preghy.2012.04.124. Epub 2012 Jun 13.

PP013. Oxidized low density lipoprotein accumulation and the expression of the lectin-like oxLDL receptor (LOX-1) in placental tissue in preeclampsia and healthy controls.

Pregnancy hypertension

U Pecks, K Sosnowsky, R Caspers, B Huppertz, W Rath

Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of the RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of the RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Cell Biology, Histology, and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Graz, Austria.
  3. Institute of Cell Biology, Histology, and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Graz, Austria.

PMID: 26105336 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2012.04.124

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Oxidized Low Density Lipoproteins (oxLDL) and its receptor the lectin-like oxLDL receptor 1 (LOX-1) are key players in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.

OBJECTIVES: Since preeclampsia is known to share similarities to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis we hypothesized an increased accumulation of oxLDL and an increased expression of LOX-1 at the materno-fetal and feto-fetal interface within the placental tissue in preeclampsia in comparison to a control group. Second, we analyzed maternal and fetal serum lipid parameters including fetal oxLDL concentration.

METHODS: OxLDL and LOX-1 intensity was determined via immunohistochemistry in placental paraffin sections of 11 women suffering from preeclampsia and compared to 11 gestational age matched preterm deliveries (29th to 36th week of gestation). Ten 'High Power Fields' were chosen randomly by the newCAST software and expression was analyzed via standardized methods by two independent and blinded observers. Maternal and fetal triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were measured by enzymatic colorimetric methods. Fetal oxLDL serum concentration was estimated by ELISA. Statistical examination was carried out by Student's t-test. Skewed variables were log-transformed.

RESULTS: oxLDL and LOX-1 was predominantly found to be in villous trophoblast and placental endothelium. No significant differences could be observed in oxLDL expression intensities between preeclampsia and controls. LOX-1 expression tended to be increased in placental trophoblast and endothelium without being statistical significant (Table 1). Fetal triglyceride levels were significantly elevated in preeclampsia compared to controls while maternal triglyceride levels tend to be increased. No other significant differences in lipid concentrations could be observed (Table 2).

CONCLUSION: We could not confirm our initial hypothesis of an accelerated oxLDL accumulation in placental tissue of preeclampsia. Though not statistically significant, placental endothelium seems to be activated in preeclampsia since LOX-1 expression is increased. Moreover, preeclampsia is a condition of dyslipidemia affecting both, maternal and fetal serum with implications for development of cardiovascular diseases in later life.

Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Publication Types