Expression of Human Leukocyte Antigen-G during Normal Placentation and in Preeclamptic Pregnancies

Abstract

Objectives. This study was undertaken to investigate the expression pattern of human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) during normal placentation and determine whether altered expression of HLA-G is associated with severe preeclampsia. Methods. We investigated HLA-G protein levels in first (n = 27), second (n = 7), and third trimester placentas (n = 10) from normal pregnancies, and determined HLA-G levels in term placentas from normal (n = 15) and severe preeclamptic pregnancies (n = 14) using real-time RT-PCR and western blot analysis. Results. In normal placentas, HLA-G protein expression reached a peak level at gestational weeks 6 and 7, then gradually decreased from week 8 to third trimester (p < 0.05). In preeclamptic placentas, both HLA-G mRNA and protein levels were decreased significantly in comparison with normal term placentas (p < 0.05). Conclusion. HLA-G may contribute to placentation during early and mid-term pregnancy, and participate in maintaining gestation during term pregnancy. The reduced level of HLA-G may be associated with pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

• HLA-G
• Placenta
• Chorionic villi
• Preeclampsia
• Pregnancy

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Supported by Chinese Natural Science Foundation Grants to Yuanqing Yao (numbers 30471812 and 30070787).

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.