OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the possible relation between mitochondrial gene expression and placental dysfunction. METHODS: We measured the activity of cytochrome c oxidase and the expression of cytochrome oxidase subunit I in mitochondria from human placentas of women whose gestations were appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and those with preeclampsia. In addition, the amounts of normal mtDNA and deleted mitochondrial DNA were examined in the two groups by Southern blot analysis and polymerase chain reaction, respectively. RESULTS: Cytochrome c oxidase activity and expression of cytochrome oxidase subunit I were significantly lower in the preeclamptic group than in the AGA group. There were no differences between the groups in the amounts of mitochondrial DNA. In addition, no mutant mitochondrial DNA with a 4977-base pair deletion was detected in the two groups. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that reduced expression of the mitochondrial gene is involved in placental dysfunction in preeclamptic pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the possible relation between mitochondrial gene expression and placental dysfunction. METHODS: We measured the activity of cytochrome c oxidase and the expression of cytochrome oxidase subunit I in mitochondria from human placentas of women whose gestations were appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and those with preeclampsia. In addition, the amounts of normal mtDNA and deleted mitochondrial DNA were examined in the two groups by Southern blot analysis and polymerase chain reaction, respectively. RESULTS: Cytochrome c oxidase activity and expression of cytochrome oxidase subunit I were significantly lower in the preeclamptic group than in the AGA group. There were no differences between the groups in the amounts of mitochondrial DNA. In addition, no mutant mitochondrial DNA with a 4977-base pair deletion was detected in the two groups. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that reduced expression of the mitochondrial gene is involved in placental dysfunction in preeclamptic pregnancy.
Authors: Michelle Desforges; Hannah Whittaker; Etaoin Farmer; Colin P Sibley; Susan L Greenwood Journal: Adv Exp Med Biol Date: 2015 Impact factor: 2.622