Hanako Shimizu

PP13 mRNA Expression in Trophoblasts From Preeclamptic Placentas

To assess the role of placental protein 13 (PP13) in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, the messenger RNA expression of PP13 was investigated in the trophoblasts from first and third trimester placenta. First, syncytiotrophoblasts and extravillous trophoblasts were separated from frozen section of third trimester placenta obtained from pregnant women with and without preeclampsia by laser microdissection. The PP13 levels of syncytiotrophoblasts were significantly higher than those of extravillous trophoblasts. The expression levels in syncytiotrophoblasts from the preeclampsia were significantly lower than those from normal. Next, the PP13 expression was assessed in trophoblasts from residual samples of chorionic villus sampling at 11 weeks of gestation, who subsequently developed preeclampsia. The levels in the preeclampsia group were significantly lower than those of normal cases. These findings indicate that an alteration in the PP13-messenger RNA expression in the trophoblasts may be associated with the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Cellular mRNA expressions of anti-oxidant factors in the blood of preeclamptic women

To assess the alterations of mRNA expressions associated with oxidative stress in the cellular component of blood from pregnant women with pre‐eclampsia.

PP13 mRNA expression in the cellular component of maternal blood as a marker for preeclampsia

To assess the PP13 expression in the cellular component of blood in both preeclamptic patients and asymptomatic pregnant women during the early second trimester.

Expression of angiogenesis-related genes in the cellular component of the blood of preeclamptic women.

The purpose of this study is to assess the changes in the expression of angiogenesis-related genes in the cellular component of the blood from preeclamptic patients. Blood samples were obtained from the preeclampsia (PE) and control participants. Cellular RNA was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify any angiogenesis-related genes and thereby assess the mRNA expression among women with PE and controls during weeks 35 to 41 of gestation. Significant differences were observed between PE and controls in all of the angiogenesis-related genes examined. In PE, for the increased expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), endoglin and fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (Flt-1); and the reduced expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PlGF). fms-Like tyrosine kinase-1 and endoglin significantly correlated with the systolic pressure, while VEGF, Flt-1, and endoglin all correlated with proteinuria. An altered expression of angiogenesis-related genes was demonstrated in the cellular component of blood from preeclamptic patients. These findings indicate that this approach may offer an alternative way for evaluating the pathogenesis of PE.

Prediction of pre-eclampsia by an analysis of placenta-derived cellular mRNA in the blood of pregnant women at 15–20 weeks of gestation

Please cite this paper as: Sekizawa A, Purwosunu Y, Farina A, Shimizu H, Nakamura M, Wibowo N, Rizzo N, Okai T. Prediction of pre‐eclampsia by an analysis of placenta‐derived cellular mRNA in the blood of pregnant women at 15–20 weeks of gestation. BJOG 2010;117:557–564.