Expressions of Adiponectin Receptors in Placenta and Their Correlation With Preeclampsia

Background. Adiponectin and its receptors, adiponectin receptor 1 (Adipo-R1) and adiponectin receptor 2 (Adipo-R2), may contribute to preeclampsia; however, the reports up to date are conflicting. Here we further explore this issue. Methods. We studied 20 pregnant women with term normal pregnancy, 22 women with severe preeclampsia, and 12 mild cases. The levels of Adipo-Rs' protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) were detected by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative polymerized chain reaction (PCR) analysis, respectively. Results. Die expression of Adipo-R2, but not Adipo-R1, was observed in the cytoplasm of both placental cytotrophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts of the mild preeclempsia, severe cases and normal pregnancy group. There was no significant difference of Adipo-R2 protein level between the maternal side and the fetal side in each group (all P > .05). Adipo-R2 protein and mRNA levels in severe preeclamptic group were significantly higher than those of mild cases (P < .001) and normal pregnancy group (P <. 001). There was also no significant difference of Adipo-R2 protein and mRNA levels between term delivery and preterm delivery in severe preeclamptic group (p > .05). Nonetheless, both the protein and mRNA levels were significantly higher in. comparison to those of the normal group (P < .05). Conclusions. The abnormality of Adipo-R2 may be associated with the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.