Shift in expression of HLA-G mRNA spliceforms in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia.
OBJECTIVE
Despite emerging data on the in vitro modulatory effects of trophoblast-associated human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G), its in vivo function needs to be determined. Immunohistochemical studies show a decrease in protein expression of trophoblast HLA-G in preeclampsia. Such a decrease in protein might be the consequence of a shift in HLA-G mRNA spliceform patterns. In an exploratory pilot study we determined trophoblast HLA-G mRNA spliceform distribution in preeclampsia.


METHODS
Placental samples were collected immediately after cesarean delivery from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia or the syndrome hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) and uncomplicated normotensive pregnancies as controls. HLA-G mRNA spliceform distribution was analyzed using a semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction procedure.


RESULTS
Analysis of HLA-G spliceform distribution showed a significant increase in frequency of the G5 form encoding for a soluble HLA-G molecule in preeclampsia. This increase in G5 form was not found in pregnancies complicated by HELLP.


CONCLUSIONS
The increased frequency in the expression of the HLA-G G5 spliceform may play a role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, in particular through a recently suggested effect of this soluble HLA-G molecule on remodeling of the spiral arteries.
Emmer
Peter M
PM
Departments of Department of Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Immunology, University Medical Center Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Joosten
Irma
I
Schut
Martin H
MH
Zusterzeel
Petra L M
PL
Hendriks
Jan C M
JC
Steegers
Eric A P
EA
D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D017359:HELLP Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012326:RNA Splicing / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000737:chemistry
D006680:HLA Antigens; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D012333:RNA, Messenger