Conclusions
RBP4 plays an important role in the regulation of trophoblast invasion and migration and represents a possible underlying pathological and molecular mechanism of PE.
Objective
Preeclampsia (PE) is a disorder of pregnancy that is associated with maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. Abnormal placental Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) expression has been found in cases of PE. This study aimed to further investigate the possible role of RBP4 in the pathophysiology of PE. Study design: RBP4 serum concentration was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in eighteen patients with severe PE and twenty-five individuals with healthy pregnancies. JEG-3 cells were transiently transfected with a plasmid construct expressing RBP4 (pCMV-RBP4), an empty plasmid (p-CMV) or siRNA, and the MMP2 and MMP9 protein levels were analysed 48 h after transfection. MTT assays and transwell assays were used to explore the functional role of RBP4 in the proliferation and invasion of JEG-3 cells.
Results
RBP4 serum concentration in patients with severe PE was significantly lower than that in individuals with healthy pregnancies. RBP4 over-expression enhanced the invasion and proliferation of JEG-3 cells and increased MMP2 and MMP9 in JEG-3 cells. Conclusions: RBP4 plays an important role in the regulation of trophoblast invasion and migration and represents a possible underlying pathological and molecular mechanism of PE.