Analyses of placental gene expression in pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders

Shuenn Dyh Chang, An Shine Chao, Hsiu Huei Peng, Yao Lung Chang, Chao Ning Wang, Po Jen Cheng, Yun Shien Lee, Angel Chao*, Tzu Hao Wang

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To explore the changes in placental gene expression between women with preeclampsia and those with superimposed preeclampsia on chronic hypertension. Materials and Methods: In Taiwanese population, we compared gene expression between the placentas from preeclamptic patients and those with superimposed preeclampsia on chronic hypertension. Results: Although top-ranked activated genes between preeclampsia and superimposed preeclampsia on chronic hypertension were different, functional network analyses indicate that these genes are mainly involved in the regulation of cell death and apoptosis. These results suggest that apoptosis and other types of cell death in the placenta are common consequences of both diseases. However, placental endoglin (ENG) was expressed at a significantly higher level in preeclampsia than in superimposed preeclampsia. Results of functional network analysis indicated that ENG may play a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia through its interference with the endothelial nitric oxide synthase-regulated vasodilation. Conclusion: Our results support the fact that ENG is the culprit for the development of preeclampsia. In addition, this study identifies several other genes in the placenta, which are transcriptionally regulated in pregnancy-related hypertensions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)283-291
Number of pages9
JournalTaiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Volume50
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 09 2011

Keywords

  • Gene expression
  • Hypertensive disorders
  • Microarray
  • Preeclampsia
  • Pregnancy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Analyses of placental gene expression in pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this