Placental expression of AChE, α7nAChR and NF-κB in patients with preeclampsia

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate placental expression of AChE, α7nAChR and NF-κB in patients with preeclampsia and discuss about its clinical significance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: mRNA expression levels of acetylcholine (AChE), alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) and nuclear factor-kB (NF-κB) in placenta were detected by qRT-PCR, and protein levels were determined by immunohis-tological analysis and Western Blot in 35 women with preeclampsia (including 20 cases of mild preeclampsia and 15 cases of severe preeclampsia) and 30 cases in control group, respectively. RESULTS: The expression of AChE mRNA and protein in placenta increased significantly in patients with preeclampsia compared with the control group (p < 0.01). It was lower in patients with severe preeclampsia than in patients with mild preeclampsia (p < 0.05). The expression of α7nAChR mRNA and protein in placenta decreased significantly in patients with preeclampsia compared with the control group (p < 0.01). However, the expression of α7nAChR mRNA and protein in patients with severe preeclampsia was higher than that in patients with mild preeclampsia, without significant difference(p > 0.05). The expression of NF-κB protein in placenta decreased significantly in patients with preeclampsia compared with the control group(p < 0.01). It was higher in patients with severe preeclampsia than in patients with mild preeclampsia (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between preeclampsia group and control group in the expression of NF-κB mRNA in placenta (p > 0.05). The results of Western blotting assay were consistent with those of immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal expression of AChE, α7nAChR and NF-κB in placenta may be associated with preeclampsia. Cho-linergic anti-inflammatory pathway may play an important role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.