Matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinases -9 (MMP-9) are differentially expressed in different regions of normal and preeclampsia placentae.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling during human placentation and parturition and have been shown to be associated with oxidative stress. Placental regional changes in oxygen availability and oxidative stress indices may influence regional differences in expression of MMPs. This study examines the protein and mRNA levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in different regions of the placenta in normotensive control (NC) women and women with preeclampsia (PE). Fifty-two NC women and 43 women with PE (18 delivered at term [T-PE] and 25 delivered preterm [PT-PE]) were recruited. Placental samples were taken from four regions: central basal (CM), central chorionic (CF), peripheral basal (PM), and peripheral chorionic (PF). MMP protein and mRNA levels were measured by ELISA and quantitative real time PCR, respectively. MMP-2 protein levels were higher in all the placental regions (P < 0.05) from PT-PE group as compared to the respective regions from the NC and T-PE groups. MMP-9 mRNA levels were higher in CM region as compared to CF and PM regions (P < 0.05) in the NC group and compared to CF and PF regions (P < 0.05) in the T-PE group. The MMP-9 mRNA levels were lower in the CF region in the PT-PE and T-PE groups (P < 0.05) as compared to the NC group. Elevated levels of MMP-2 protein levels were observed in all regions of PT-PE placenta possibly influencing the degradation of placental ECM. Lower mRNA expression of MMP-9 both in PT-PE and T-PE may contribute to a disturbed placental vascularization.