Differential expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, -9 in normal and severe preeclamptic human placentas

Moon, Yeo Jung; Hwang, Han Sung; Kim, Young Han; Kwon, Ja Young; Park, Yong Won

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to investigate the differential expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) -2,-9 in the normal and severe preeclamptic placenta.
METHODS
Placentas were obtained from women undergoing cesarean section with normal (n=10) and severe preeclamptic (n=10) pregnancies. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was done to detect the placental gene expression of MMP-2,-9. Western blot analysis was performed to identify MMP-2,-9 protein expression in each placenta. Immunohistochemical staining were employed to localize MMP-2,-9 in placental tissues.
RESULTS
MMP-2,-9 genes were expressed in both normal and severe preeclamptic placenta. There were lower expressions MMP-2,-9 in severe preeclamptic placentas than in normal. MMP-2,-9 proteins were all present in each placental tissue. The expression for MMP-2,-9 was weaker in severe preeclamptic placenta than in normal. MMP-2,-9 were localized only to the trophoblast, and were also weakly positive in severe preeclamptic placenta compared with normal.
CONCLUSIONS
MMP-2,-9 expressions were decreased in severe preeclampsia placenta compared to those from normal placenta. This study suggests that decreased expression of MMP-2,-9 may have a role in the development of severe preeclampsia.