Ian L. Sargent

Conditioned Medium from Human Decidual Stromal Cells has a Concentration-dependent Effect on Trophoblast Cell Invasion

The regulation of trophoblast cell invasion is a crucial aspect of implantation and placental development. Evidence indicates that the uterine microenvironment exerts important influence over trophoblast cell invasion. However, the precise effect of decidual cells on trophoblast cell invasion remained unidentified. In the present study, a cell line representative of normal human trophoblast (B6Tert) was used to examine the effect of decidual stromal cell conditioned media (DSCM) on trophoblast cell invasion. In vitro assay showed the concentration-dependent effect of DSCM on B6Tert cell invasion. RT-PCR and gelatin zymography demonstrated that DSCM evidently produced an effect on the mRNA expression and proenzyme production of MMP-2 in a dose-dependent manner, but exerted no effect on mRNA expression and proenzyme production of MMP-9. The data indicates that the decidual microenvironment may exert the key control for trophoblast cell invasion mainly through influencing MMP-2 expression.

Investigation of the actin scavenging system in pre-eclampsia §

Objectives Cell injury releases actin, the most abundant cell protein. Gelsolin and vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) together depolymerise and clear cell-free actin. Impaired actin clearance is associated with several diseases and correlates with clinical outcome. The actin scavenging system was investigated in pre-eclampsia (PE), a procoagulant and proinflammatory state with placental and vascular damage. Study design Plasma gelsolin and actin free VDBP (AFVDBP) were measured in PE (early onset <33 weeks; late onset ≥36 weeks), matched normal pregnant (normP) and non-pregnant (nonPr) women, using commercially available ELISAs. Longitudinal samples from normP and women who subsequently developed PE were also analysed. Results Plasma gelsolin fell during pregnancy (p = 0.0002), with a concomitant rise in actin-free VDBP (p < 0.001). Gelsolin concentrations were only significantly lower in established PE (p < 0.05) when compared to non-pregnant controls. Conclusions We have shown that the components of the actin clearance system, gelsolin and AFVDBP, are altered in normal pregnancy and further changes occur in established PE, suggesting depleted actin clearance in PE. Whether this is a cause or consequence of PE pathophysiology requires further investigation.

The functions of microparticles in preeclampsia

Circulating blood cells, trophoblast cells and endothelial cells release microparticles (MP) into the maternal blood by membrane shedding. This process occurs upon activation or apoptosis of these cells. Evidence is accumulating that MP play a role in the development of thrombotic diseases. In recent years, the importance of changes in circulating MP numbers and in composition in preeclampsia has been recognized and research is now directed to discover the functional consequences of these changes. In this review we will discuss the structure and function of MP, with special emphasis on the changes in MP numbers, composition and function in pregnancy and preeclampsia.