AIMS: Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress may play a key role in the aetiology of preeclampsia (PE). The aim of this study was to elucidate the placental defence mechanisms employed against oxidative stress and, in particular, the specific role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). METHODS AND RESULTS: Expression of Nrf2 in third-trimester placental tissue was compared in preeclamptic and normal gestation-matched controls. PE was associated with increased Nrf2 activity within cytotrophoblastic nuclei. Nrf2 expression was restricted to proliferative and early post-proliferative cytotrophoblast only. Syncytiotrophoblast was immunonegative for Nrf2 in both controls and preeclamptic placentas. CONCLUSIONS: Nrf2 is exclusively active within cytotrophoblast, strongly suggesting that these cells are the origin of Nrf2-dependent gene products. Syncytiotrophoblast is transcriptionally inactive; therefore in times of oxidative stress essential cytoprotective enzymes must be derived from the cytotrophoblast. Excessive cytotrophoblastic turnover causes disproportionate release of toxic placental factors, manifesting as PE and endangering maternal health. Increased cytotrophoblastic proliferation/fusion could thus be interpreted as a fetal defence mechanism, initiated in response to the requirements of vulnerable syncytiotrophoblast. We therefore propose a direct relationship between fetal defence against oxidative stress and consequent placental toxicity as part of the aetiology of this complex maternal disease.
AIMS: Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress may play a key role in the aetiology of preeclampsia (PE). The aim of this study was to elucidate the placental defence mechanisms employed against oxidative stress and, in particular, the specific role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). METHODS AND RESULTS: Expression of Nrf2 in third-trimester placental tissue was compared in preeclamptic and normal gestation-matched controls. PE was associated with increased Nrf2 activity within cytotrophoblastic nuclei. Nrf2 expression was restricted to proliferative and early post-proliferative cytotrophoblast only. Syncytiotrophoblast was immunonegative for Nrf2 in both controls and preeclamptic placentas. CONCLUSIONS:Nrf2 is exclusively active within cytotrophoblast, strongly suggesting that these cells are the origin of Nrf2-dependent gene products. Syncytiotrophoblast is transcriptionally inactive; therefore in times of oxidative stress essential cytoprotective enzymes must be derived from the cytotrophoblast. Excessive cytotrophoblastic turnover causes disproportionate release of toxic placental factors, manifesting as PE and endangering maternal health. Increased cytotrophoblastic proliferation/fusion could thus be interpreted as a fetal defence mechanism, initiated in response to the requirements of vulnerable syncytiotrophoblast. We therefore propose a direct relationship between fetal defence against oxidative stress and consequent placental toxicity as part of the aetiology of this complex maternal disease.
Authors: Jon Dang; Lars-Ove Brandenburg; Christian Rosen; Athanasius Fragoulis; Markus Kipp; Thomas Pufe; Cordian Beyer; Christoph Jan Wruck Journal: J Mol Neurosci Date: 2011-09-07 Impact factor: 3.444
Authors: Nisreen Kweider; Athanassios Fragoulis; Christian Rosen; Ulrich Pecks; Werner Rath; Thomas Pufe; Christoph Jan Wruck Journal: J Biol Chem Date: 2011-10-27 Impact factor: 5.157
Authors: Christoph Jan Wruck; Konrad Streetz; Goran Pavic; Mario E Götz; Mersedeh Tohidnezhad; Lars-Ove Brandenburg; Deike Varoga; Oliver Eickelberg; Thomas Herdegen; Christian Trautwein; Kaimin Cha; Yuet Wai Kan; Thomas Pufe Journal: J Biol Chem Date: 2010-12-02 Impact factor: 5.157
Authors: Nisreen Kweider; Berthold Huppertz; Christoph Jan Wruck; Rainer Beckmann; Werner Rath; Thomas Pufe; Mamed Kadyrov Journal: PLoS One Date: 2012-10-09 Impact factor: 3.240