Biomedical Research

Objectives: To investigate the expression/levels of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and its inhibitor Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in the placentae of early-onset preeclamptic patients and their maternal age-matched normotensive, non-proteinuric controls at both mRNA and protein levels.

Methods: In the present study, a total of 60 caesarean delivered placentae (30 each of early-onset preeclamptic patients and controls) were collected from Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, AIIMS, New Delhi. Protein expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 was observed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence stainings. Gelatin Gel Zymography was done to evaluate MMP-9 activity and Western Blot was done for the quantification of MMP- 9 and TIMP-1 proteins. The mRNA levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were determined by qRT-PCR.

Results: Significantly down-regulated expression/levels of MMP-9 whereas up-regulated for that of TIMP-1 in the placentae obtained from early-onset preeclamptic patients in comparison to normotensive, non-proteinuric control placentae were observed.

Conclusions: The current research implies that aberrant functioning of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in early-onset preeclamptic patients contribute to impaired placentation which might be relevant for possible future screening programs in order to predict and to design therapies for early onset preeclamptic patients

Author(s):

Pallavi Arora, Renu Dhingra, Pallavi Kshetrapal, Neerja Bhatla, Sadanand Dwivedi

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