Glutathione S-transferase isoenzymes in decidua and placenta of preeclamptic pregnancies.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate a possible involvement of glutathione S-transferases, major detoxificating enzymes, in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.


METHODS
Levels of glutathione S-transferase isoforms and enzyme activity were assessed in placental and decidual tissues in 22 preeclamptic and 21 normotensive women. Measured values were analyzed statistically using the Mann-Whitney U test for comparison between groups, and the signed-rank test for comparison within groups.


RESULTS
Glutathione S-transferase pi is the main glutathione S-transferase isoform in normal placental and decidual tissue. Lower median placental and decidual glutathione S-transferase pi levels were found in preeclamptic women compared with controls: 1268 (range: 524-3925) and 2185 (range: 503-6578), P = .05, for placenta; 1543 (range: 681-2967) and 2169 (range: 893-3929), P = .02, for decidua. The total amount of glutathione S-transferases in control and preeclamptic pregnancies was higher in decidua than in placenta.


CONCLUSIONS
Reduced levels of glutathione S-transferase class pi in preeclampsia might indicate a decreased capacity of the glutathione/glutathione S-transferase detoxification system. A higher total amount of glutathione S-transferases in decidual tissue might point to a more pronounced protective role of decidua compared with placenta.
Zusterzeel
P L
PL
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital St Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Peters
W H
WH
De Bruyn
M A
MA
Knapen
M F
MF
Merkus
H M
HM
Steegers
E A
EA
D000328:Adult; D003656:Decidua / Q000201:enzymology*; D005260:Female; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000032:analysis*; D017359:HELLP Syndrome / Q000201:enzymology; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000032:analysis; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation; D010920:Placenta / Q000201:enzymology*; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011247:Pregnancy
D007527:Isoenzymes; D005982:Glutathione Transferase