Simultaneously reduced gene expression of cortisol-activating and cortisol-inactivating enzymes in placentas of small-for-gestational-age neonates.
OBJECTIVE
The enzyme 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11beta-HSD2) converts cortisol into cortisone. Reduced placental activity of 11beta-HSD2 in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates results in fetal cortisol excess. In the present study, we examined the yet unknown gene expression of 11beta-HSD1, which primarily synthesizes cortisol in SGA placenta.


METHODS
In placentas taken from 24 women with normal-weight newborns and 16 women with SGA neonates, expression of 11beta-HSD1 and 11beta-HSD2 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was determined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.


RESULTS
Placental mRNA expression of 11beta-HSD1 and 11beta-HSD2 was significantly reduced in the SGA group (P = .006 and P < .0001). Both enzymes showed a significant correlation to birthweight SD score and placental weight. Also, levels of both enzymes were significantly correlated.


CONCLUSIONS
In placental tissue of SGA neonates 11beta-HSD2 and 11beta-HSD1 gene expression is reduced. Adapted levels of 11beta-HSD1 might result in a counterregulatory mechanism limiting transplacental passage of elevated cortisol levels.
Struwe
Ellen
E
Department of Pediatrics, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nürnberg, Germany.
Berzl
Gabriele M
GM
Schild
Ralf L
RL
Beckmann
Matthias W
MW
Dörr
Helmuth G
HG
Rascher
Wolfgang
W
Dötsch
Jörg
J
D043205:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D043209:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000378:metabolism; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight / Q000502:physiology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007236:Infant, Small for Gestational Age / Q000502:physiology; D010920:Placenta / Q000201:enzymology*; D011247:Pregnancy
D043205:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1; D043209:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2; D006854:Hydrocortisone