HLA-G protein concentrations in maternal serum and placental tissue are decreased in preeclampsia.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study were to determine whether soluble human leukocyte antigen-G protein levels in serum and/or human leukocyte antigen protein in placental tissues differ between women with preeclampsia versus uncomplicated pregnancies. Study design human leukocyte antigen-G levels were determined with the use of a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 20 subjects with preeclampsia and 14 normal control subjects.


RESULTS
Both serum and placental human leukocyte antigen-G levels were decreased significantly in the preeclampsia group (median, 0.026 microg/mL in serum; median, 0.026 microg/mg protein in placenta), in comparison with normal pregnant women (median, 0.093 microg/mL in serum; median, 0.088 microg/mg protein in placenta; P=.0112 and P=.0406, respectively). There was a significant correlation between serum and placental human leukocyte antigen-G levels (r=0.603; P=0.0002).


CONCLUSIONS
The reduced expression of placental human leukocyte antigen-G and reduced release of this protein into the maternal circulation in preeclampsia may alter the maternal-fetal immune relationship and thus be involved in the cause of this disorder.
Yie
Shang-mian
SM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Li
Liang-hong
LH
Li
Yue-mei
YM
Librach
Clifford
C
D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D010920:Placenta / Q000378:metabolism*; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011247:Pregnancy
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D006680:HLA Antigens; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I