Interaction among peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor alpha, cytochrome P450 oxysterol 7α-hydroxylase and estrogen receptor and its association with intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnant rats

Objective To investigate the relationship between interaction of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), cytochrome P450 oxysterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7B1) and estrogen receptor (ER) and intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnant rats. Methods Eighty clean SD pregnant rats were selected and divided into four groups randomly with 20 in each. Since the 13th day of pregnancy,rats in the control group was injected subcutaneously with refined vegetable oil 2.0 ml · kg-1 · d -1 , those in the low-dose, moderate-dose and high-dose groups received 17-α-ethynylestradiol (EE) 1.0 mg · kg-1 · d-1,1.25 mg · kg-1 · d-1 and 1.5 mg · kg-1 · d-1, respectively. All rats were sacrificed at the 21at day of pregnancy and maternal hepatic tissues were collected. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total bile acid (TBA) and bilirubin (BIL) were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expressions of PPARα, CYP7B1, Erα and Erβ in maternal rat livers were examined by real-time PCR. Results (1) Biochemical indicators: the serum levels of ALT,AST, TBA and BIL were significantly lower in the control group than in the rest 3 groups,respectively [ control group: (41.1 ± 2.8 ) U/L, (44.4 ± 3.6) U/L, (26.4 ± 5.6 ) μmol/L and( 2.8 ± 0.2)U/L;low-dose group: (48.2 ±3.4) U/L,(47.9 ±3.7) U/L,(36.4 ±4.2) μmol/L and (4.2 ±0.2) U/L;moderate-dose group: (70.4 ± 5.3 ) U/L, (68.4 ± 5.6) U/L, (64.3 ± 3.8 ) μmol/L and ( 6.2 ± 1.2)U/L; high-dose group: (72.4 ±7.6) U/L, (70.2 ±3.8) U/L, (72.4 ±7.8) μmol/L and (8.2 ±2.2)U/L, P<0.05], and those in the moderate or high-dose groups were higher than in the low-dose group (P<0.05). (2) mRNA expression of Erα and Erβ: the mRNA expression of Erα in pregnant rat livers increased in a dose-dependent manner, which were all significantly higher than that in the control group,respectively ( low-dose group: 0.76 ± 0.02 ); moderate -dose group: ( 0.99 ± 0.04; high-dose group:1.21 ±0.01 ;control group:0.65 ±0.01, P <0.05), but no difference was found among the 4 groups in the mRNA expression of Erβ ( P > 0.05 ). (3) mRNA expression of CYP7B1 and PPARα: the mRNA expression of CYP7B1 in pregnant rat livers increased from the low-dose group to the high-dose group, and were all higher than that of the control group ( low-dose group: 0.93 ± 0.01; moderate-dose group: 0.99 ±0.06; high-dose group: 1.22 ± 0.04; control group: 0.75 ± 0.02, P < 0.05 ). However, the mRNA expression of PPARα decreased from the low-dose group to the high-dose group, and were all lower than that of the control group (low-dose group: 0.83 ± 0.05; moderate-dose group: 0.71 ± 0.02; high-dose group:0.64 ± 0.03; control group: 1.35 ± 0. 05; P < 0.05 ) . Conclusions The down regulated mRNA expression of PPARα, caused by higher dose of estrogen, may increase the expression of CYP7B1 due to the ineffectiveness of the inhibition of PPARα on CYP7B1, which may further stimulate the Erα activity and then induce intrahepatic cholestasis. Abnormal expression of PPARα, CYP7B1 and ER may play a role in the pathogenesis of estrogen-induced intrahepatic cholestasis.     

Expression and significance of interleukin-18.12 and tumor necrosis factor-α in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Objective To investigate the effect of Interleukin(IL)-18,IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in hepatic injury in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy(ICP).Methods Sixty-two cases of ICP patients(ICP group),30 cases of normal pregnant women(control group)and 30 cases of hepatitis B(HBV) women (hepatitis group) were recruited. Serum IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α were examined by ELISA. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were examined by automatic biochemical analysis instrument. Results ( 1 ) In hepatitis group, serum concentrations of IL-18,IL-12 and TNF-α were (256±51 ) ng/L, ( 122±96) ng/L and (207±3) ng/L; serum levels of ALT and AST were(363±174) U/L and (359 ±237) U/L, respectively. In ICP group, serum concentrations of IL18, IL-12 and TNF-α were (72±32) ng/L, (42 ±28) ng/L and (48±14) ng/L; serum levels of ALT and AST were (201 ±128) U/L and ( 132±87) U/L, respectively. While in control group, serum concentrations of IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α were (43 ± 13) ng/L, ( 10±3) ng/L and (33±9) ng/L; serum levels of ALT and AST were (13 ~ 4) U/L and (15 ± 3) U/L, respectively. Serum IL-18, IL-12, TNF-α, ALT and AST levels in hepatitis group were significantly higher than those in ICP group and control group ( P ＜0. 05 ).Serum IL-18, IL-12, TNF-α, ALT and AST levels in ICP group were significantly higher than those in control group(P ＜ 0. 05 ). (2) In severe ICP subgroup, serum concentrations of IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α were (81 ±32) ng/L, (50 ±25) ng/L and(50 ± 14) ng/L; serum levels of ALT and AST were (269 ± 111 ) U/L and (181±73) U/L In mild ICP subgroup, serum concentrations of IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α were (48 ±18 ) ng/L, (17 ± 4 ) ng/L and (40 ± 10 ) ng/L; serum levels of ALT and AST were (87±46) U/L and (50 ±21 ) U/L, respectively. Serum IL-18, IL-12, TNF-α, ALT and AST levels in severe ICP subgroup were significantly higher than those in mild ICP subgroup and control group (P ＜ 0. 05). And serum ALT and AST levels in mild ICP subgroup were significantly higher than those in control group(P ＜0. 05). (3) There were 16 cases with preterm birth (50%, 16/32 ) and 10 cases with meconium-stained amniotic fluid( 31%, 10/32 ) in severe ICP subgroup, significantly higher than those in mild ICP subgroup ( P＜ 0. 05 ), which contained 2 preterm births ( 7%, 2/30) and 1 meconium-stained amniotic fluid (3%, 1/30). While in control group, the numbers were 1(3%, 1/30)and 1(3%, 1/30),respectively. As for the cases of neonates whose 1 minute Apgar score were not more than 7, there were 2 cases, 1 case and 1 case in severe ICP subgroup, mild ICP subgroup and control group, respectively,which showed no significant difference(P＞ 0. 05). Conclusion Serum IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α may be involved in the process of hepatic injury of ICP.     

Expression and significance of interleukin-18.12 and tumor necrosis factor-α in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Objective To investigate the effect of Interleukin(IL)-18,IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in hepatic injury in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy(ICP).Methods Sixty-two cases of ICP patients(ICP group),30 cases of normal pregnant women(control group)and 30 cases of hepatitis B(HBV) women (hepatitis group) were recruited. Serum IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α were examined by ELISA. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were examined by automatic biochemical analysis instrument. Results ( 1 ) In hepatitis group, serum concentrations of IL-18,IL-12 and TNF-α were (256±51 ) ng/L, ( 122±96) ng/L and (207±3) ng/L; serum levels of ALT and AST were(363±174) U/L and (359 ±237) U/L, respectively. In ICP group, serum concentrations of IL18, IL-12 and TNF-α were (72±32) ng/L, (42 ±28) ng/L and (48±14) ng/L; serum levels of ALT and AST were (201 ±128) U/L and ( 132±87) U/L, respectively. While in control group, serum concentrations of IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α were (43 ± 13) ng/L, ( 10±3) ng/L and (33±9) ng/L; serum levels of ALT and AST were (13 ~ 4) U/L and (15 ± 3) U/L, respectively. Serum IL-18, IL-12, TNF-α, ALT and AST levels in hepatitis group were significantly higher than those in ICP group and control group ( P ＜0. 05 ).Serum IL-18, IL-12, TNF-α, ALT and AST levels in ICP group were significantly higher than those in control group(P ＜ 0. 05 ). (2) In severe ICP subgroup, serum concentrations of IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α were (81 ±32) ng/L, (50 ±25) ng/L and(50 ± 14) ng/L; serum levels of ALT and AST were (269 ± 111 ) U/L and (181±73) U/L In mild ICP subgroup, serum concentrations of IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α were (48 ±18 ) ng/L, (17 ± 4 ) ng/L and (40 ± 10 ) ng/L; serum levels of ALT and AST were (87±46) U/L and (50 ±21 ) U/L, respectively. Serum IL-18, IL-12, TNF-α, ALT and AST levels in severe ICP subgroup were significantly higher than those in mild ICP subgroup and control group (P ＜ 0. 05). And serum ALT and AST levels in mild ICP subgroup were significantly higher than those in control group(P ＜0. 05). (3) There were 16 cases with preterm birth (50%, 16/32 ) and 10 cases with meconium-stained amniotic fluid( 31%, 10/32 ) in severe ICP subgroup, significantly higher than those in mild ICP subgroup ( P＜ 0. 05 ), which contained 2 preterm births ( 7%, 2/30) and 1 meconium-stained amniotic fluid (3%, 1/30). While in control group, the numbers were 1(3%, 1/30)and 1(3%, 1/30),respectively. As for the cases of neonates whose 1 minute Apgar score were not more than 7, there were 2 cases, 1 case and 1 case in severe ICP subgroup, mild ICP subgroup and control group, respectively,which showed no significant difference(P＞ 0. 05). Conclusion Serum IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α may be involved in the process of hepatic injury of ICP.     

子宫平滑肌组织中RhoA及Rho激酶的表达与分娩发动的关系

Objective To investigate the role of RhoA and Rho kinase system in the onset of labor. Methods Forty term pregnant women, who delivered through cesarean section at the Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University from February 2007 to November 2007, were selected and divided into 2 groups: 20 in labor group and 20 in non-labor group. Another 20 non-pregnant women undergoing hysterectomy due to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were chosen as the control. Real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR and western blot were applied to detect the expression RhoA and ROCKⅠ mRNA and protein in uterine smooth muscle tissue and the correlation between the mRNA and protein expression of RhoA and ROCKⅠ were analyzed. Results (1) The mRNA expressions of both RhoA and ROCKⅠ were detected in all groups, and higher levels were found in the labor group than in the non-labor group and the control [RhoA mRNA: (3.51±0.56)×10-3 vs. (2.75±0.52)×10-3 and (2.11±0.54)×10-3; ROCKⅠ mRNA: (4.07±0.66)×10-3 vs. (2.71±0.52)×10-3 and(2.01±0.23)×10-3, P<0.01]. (2) RhoA and ROCKⅠ proteins were also identified in all three groups, and the expressions in the labor and non-labor group were higher than those of the control (RhoA protein: 0.72±0.23 and 0.64±0.17 vs. 0.46±0.15; ROCKⅠ protein: 0.56±0.14 and 0.42±0.16 vs. 0.29±0.08, P<0.01). (3) The expression of RhoA mRNA and ROCKⅠ mRNA were positively correlated in each of the three groups (r=0.73,P<0.01), and the same was found in the expression of RhoA protein and ROCKⅠ protein (r=0.37,P<0.01). Conclusion The increased expression of RhoA and Rho kinase may play an important role in the initiation of labor.     

子宫平滑肌组织中RhoA及Rho激酶的表达与分娩发动的关系

Objective To investigate the role of RhoA and Rho kinase system in the onset of labor. Methods Forty term pregnant women, who delivered through cesarean section at the Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University from February 2007 to November 2007, were selected and divided into 2 groups: 20 in labor group and 20 in non-labor group. Another 20 non-pregnant women undergoing hysterectomy due to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were chosen as the control. Real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR and western blot were applied to detect the expression RhoA and ROCKⅠ mRNA and protein in uterine smooth muscle tissue and the correlation between the mRNA and protein expression of RhoA and ROCKⅠ were analyzed. Results (1) The mRNA expressions of both RhoA and ROCKⅠ were detected in all groups, and higher levels were found in the labor group than in the non-labor group and the control [RhoA mRNA: (3.51±0.56)×10-3 vs. (2.75±0.52)×10-3 and (2.11±0.54)×10-3; ROCKⅠ mRNA: (4.07±0.66)×10-3 vs. (2.71±0.52)×10-3 and(2.01±0.23)×10-3, P<0.01]. (2) RhoA and ROCKⅠ proteins were also identified in all three groups, and the expressions in the labor and non-labor group were higher than those of the control (RhoA protein: 0.72±0.23 and 0.64±0.17 vs. 0.46±0.15; ROCKⅠ protein: 0.56±0.14 and 0.42±0.16 vs. 0.29±0.08, P<0.01). (3) The expression of RhoA mRNA and ROCKⅠ mRNA were positively correlated in each of the three groups (r=0.73,P<0.01), and the same was found in the expression of RhoA protein and ROCKⅠ protein (r=0.37,P<0.01). Conclusion The increased expression of RhoA and Rho kinase may play an important role in the initiation of labor.     

子宫平滑肌组织中RhoA及Rho激酶的表达与分娩发动的关系

Objective To investigate the role of RhoA and Rho kinase system in the onset of labor. Methods Forty term pregnant women, who delivered through cesarean section at the Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University from February 2007 to November 2007, were selected and divided into 2 groups: 20 in labor group and 20 in non-labor group. Another 20 non-pregnant women undergoing hysterectomy due to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were chosen as the control. Real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR and western blot were applied to detect the expression RhoA and ROCKⅠ mRNA and protein in uterine smooth muscle tissue and the correlation between the mRNA and protein expression of RhoA and ROCKⅠ were analyzed. Results (1) The mRNA expressions of both RhoA and ROCKⅠ were detected in all groups, and higher levels were found in the labor group than in the non-labor group and the control [RhoA mRNA: (3.51±0.56)×10-3 vs. (2.75±0.52)×10-3 and (2.11±0.54)×10-3; ROCKⅠ mRNA: (4.07±0.66)×10-3 vs. (2.71±0.52)×10-3 and(2.01±0.23)×10-3, P<0.01]. (2) RhoA and ROCKⅠ proteins were also identified in all three groups, and the expressions in the labor and non-labor group were higher than those of the control (RhoA protein: 0.72±0.23 and 0.64±0.17 vs. 0.46±0.15; ROCKⅠ protein: 0.56±0.14 and 0.42±0.16 vs. 0.29±0.08, P<0.01). (3) The expression of RhoA mRNA and ROCKⅠ mRNA were positively correlated in each of the three groups (r=0.73,P<0.01), and the same was found in the expression of RhoA protein and ROCKⅠ protein (r=0.37,P<0.01). Conclusion The increased expression of RhoA and Rho kinase may play an important role in the initiation of labor.     

子宫平滑肌组织中RhoA及Rho激酶的表达与分娩发动的关系

Objective To investigate the role of RhoA and Rho kinase system in the onset of labor. Methods Forty term pregnant women, who delivered through cesarean section at the Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University from February 2007 to November 2007, were selected and divided into 2 groups: 20 in labor group and 20 in non-labor group. Another 20 non-pregnant women undergoing hysterectomy due to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were chosen as the control. Real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR and western blot were applied to detect the expression RhoA and ROCKⅠ mRNA and protein in uterine smooth muscle tissue and the correlation between the mRNA and protein expression of RhoA and ROCKⅠ were analyzed. Results (1) The mRNA expressions of both RhoA and ROCKⅠ were detected in all groups, and higher levels were found in the labor group than in the non-labor group and the control [RhoA mRNA: (3.51±0.56)×10-3 vs. (2.75±0.52)×10-3 and (2.11±0.54)×10-3; ROCKⅠ mRNA: (4.07±0.66)×10-3 vs. (2.71±0.52)×10-3 and(2.01±0.23)×10-3, P<0.01]. (2) RhoA and ROCKⅠ proteins were also identified in all three groups, and the expressions in the labor and non-labor group were higher than those of the control (RhoA protein: 0.72±0.23 and 0.64±0.17 vs. 0.46±0.15; ROCKⅠ protein: 0.56±0.14 and 0.42±0.16 vs. 0.29±0.08, P<0.01). (3) The expression of RhoA mRNA and ROCKⅠ mRNA were positively correlated in each of the three groups (r=0.73,P<0.01), and the same was found in the expression of RhoA protein and ROCKⅠ protein (r=0.37,P<0.01). Conclusion The increased expression of RhoA and Rho kinase may play an important role in the initiation of labor.     

子宫平滑肌组织中RhoA及Rho激酶的表达与分娩发动的关系

Objective To investigate the role of RhoA and Rho kinase system in the onset of labor. Methods Forty term pregnant women, who delivered through cesarean section at the Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University from February 2007 to November 2007, were selected and divided into 2 groups: 20 in labor group and 20 in non-labor group. Another 20 non-pregnant women undergoing hysterectomy due to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were chosen as the control. Real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR and western blot were applied to detect the expression RhoA and ROCKⅠ mRNA and protein in uterine smooth muscle tissue and the correlation between the mRNA and protein expression of RhoA and ROCKⅠ were analyzed. Results (1) The mRNA expressions of both RhoA and ROCKⅠ were detected in all groups, and higher levels were found in the labor group than in the non-labor group and the control [RhoA mRNA: (3.51±0.56)×10-3 vs. (2.75±0.52)×10-3 and (2.11±0.54)×10-3; ROCKⅠ mRNA: (4.07±0.66)×10-3 vs. (2.71±0.52)×10-3 and(2.01±0.23)×10-3, P<0.01]. (2) RhoA and ROCKⅠ proteins were also identified in all three groups, and the expressions in the labor and non-labor group were higher than those of the control (RhoA protein: 0.72±0.23 and 0.64±0.17 vs. 0.46±0.15; ROCKⅠ protein: 0.56±0.14 and 0.42±0.16 vs. 0.29±0.08, P<0.01). (3) The expression of RhoA mRNA and ROCKⅠ mRNA were positively correlated in each of the three groups (r=0.73,P<0.01), and the same was found in the expression of RhoA protein and ROCKⅠ protein (r=0.37,P<0.01). Conclusion The increased expression of RhoA and Rho kinase may play an important role in the initiation of labor.     

子宫平滑肌组织中RhoA及Rho激酶的表达与分娩发动的关系

Objective To investigate the role of RhoA and Rho kinase system in the onset of labor. Methods Forty term pregnant women, who delivered through cesarean section at the Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University from February 2007 to November 2007, were selected and divided into 2 groups: 20 in labor group and 20 in non-labor group. Another 20 non-pregnant women undergoing hysterectomy due to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were chosen as the control. Real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR and western blot were applied to detect the expression RhoA and ROCKⅠ mRNA and protein in uterine smooth muscle tissue and the correlation between the mRNA and protein expression of RhoA and ROCKⅠ were analyzed. Results (1) The mRNA expressions of both RhoA and ROCKⅠ were detected in all groups, and higher levels were found in the labor group than in the non-labor group and the control [RhoA mRNA: (3.51±0.56)×10-3 vs. (2.75±0.52)×10-3 and (2.11±0.54)×10-3; ROCKⅠ mRNA: (4.07±0.66)×10-3 vs. (2.71±0.52)×10-3 and(2.01±0.23)×10-3, P<0.01]. (2) RhoA and ROCKⅠ proteins were also identified in all three groups, and the expressions in the labor and non-labor group were higher than those of the control (RhoA protein: 0.72±0.23 and 0.64±0.17 vs. 0.46±0.15; ROCKⅠ protein: 0.56±0.14 and 0.42±0.16 vs. 0.29±0.08, P<0.01). (3) The expression of RhoA mRNA and ROCKⅠ mRNA were positively correlated in each of the three groups (r=0.73,P<0.01), and the same was found in the expression of RhoA protein and ROCKⅠ protein (r=0.37,P<0.01). Conclusion The increased expression of RhoA and Rho kinase may play an important role in the initiation of labor.     

子宫平滑肌组织中RhoA及Rho激酶的表达与分娩发动的关系

Objective To investigate the role of RhoA and Rho kinase system in the onset of labor. Methods Forty term pregnant women, who delivered through cesarean section at the Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University from February 2007 to November 2007, were selected and divided into 2 groups: 20 in labor group and 20 in non-labor group. Another 20 non-pregnant women undergoing hysterectomy due to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were chosen as the control. Real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR and western blot were applied to detect the expression RhoA and ROCKⅠ mRNA and protein in uterine smooth muscle tissue and the correlation between the mRNA and protein expression of RhoA and ROCKⅠ were analyzed. Results (1) The mRNA expressions of both RhoA and ROCKⅠ were detected in all groups, and higher levels were found in the labor group than in the non-labor group and the control [RhoA mRNA: (3.51±0.56)×10-3 vs. (2.75±0.52)×10-3 and (2.11±0.54)×10-3; ROCKⅠ mRNA: (4.07±0.66)×10-3 vs. (2.71±0.52)×10-3 and(2.01±0.23)×10-3, P<0.01]. (2) RhoA and ROCKⅠ proteins were also identified in all three groups, and the expressions in the labor and non-labor group were higher than those of the control (RhoA protein: 0.72±0.23 and 0.64±0.17 vs. 0.46±0.15; ROCKⅠ protein: 0.56±0.14 and 0.42±0.16 vs. 0.29±0.08, P<0.01). (3) The expression of RhoA mRNA and ROCKⅠ mRNA were positively correlated in each of the three groups (r=0.73,P<0.01), and the same was found in the expression of RhoA protein and ROCKⅠ protein (r=0.37,P<0.01). Conclusion The increased expression of RhoA and Rho kinase may play an important role in the initiation of labor.     

子宫平滑肌组织中RhoA及Rho激酶的表达与分娩发动的关系

Objective To investigate the role of RhoA and Rho kinase system in the onset of labor. Methods Forty term pregnant women, who delivered through cesarean section at the Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University from February 2007 to November 2007, were selected and divided into 2 groups: 20 in labor group and 20 in non-labor group. Another 20 non-pregnant women undergoing hysterectomy due to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were chosen as the control. Real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR and western blot were applied to detect the expression RhoA and ROCKⅠ mRNA and protein in uterine smooth muscle tissue and the correlation between the mRNA and protein expression of RhoA and ROCKⅠ were analyzed. Results (1) The mRNA expressions of both RhoA and ROCKⅠ were detected in all groups, and higher levels were found in the labor group than in the non-labor group and the control [RhoA mRNA: (3.51±0.56)×10-3 vs. (2.75±0.52)×10-3 and (2.11±0.54)×10-3; ROCKⅠ mRNA: (4.07±0.66)×10-3 vs. (2.71±0.52)×10-3 and(2.01±0.23)×10-3, P<0.01]. (2) RhoA and ROCKⅠ proteins were also identified in all three groups, and the expressions in the labor and non-labor group were higher than those of the control (RhoA protein: 0.72±0.23 and 0.64±0.17 vs. 0.46±0.15; ROCKⅠ protein: 0.56±0.14 and 0.42±0.16 vs. 0.29±0.08, P<0.01). (3) The expression of RhoA mRNA and ROCKⅠ mRNA were positively correlated in each of the three groups (r=0.73,P<0.01), and the same was found in the expression of RhoA protein and ROCKⅠ protein (r=0.37,P<0.01). Conclusion The increased expression of RhoA and Rho kinase may play an important role in the initiation of labor.     

子宫平滑肌组织中RhoA及Rho激酶的表达与分娩发动的关系

Objective To investigate the role of RhoA and Rho kinase system in the onset of labor. Methods Forty term pregnant women, who delivered through cesarean section at the Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University from February 2007 to November 2007, were selected and divided into 2 groups: 20 in labor group and 20 in non-labor group. Another 20 non-pregnant women undergoing hysterectomy due to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were chosen as the control. Real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR and western blot were applied to detect the expression RhoA and ROCKⅠ mRNA and protein in uterine smooth muscle tissue and the correlation between the mRNA and protein expression of RhoA and ROCKⅠ were analyzed. Results (1) The mRNA expressions of both RhoA and ROCKⅠ were detected in all groups, and higher levels were found in the labor group than in the non-labor group and the control [RhoA mRNA: (3.51±0.56)×10-3 vs. (2.75±0.52)×10-3 and (2.11±0.54)×10-3; ROCKⅠ mRNA: (4.07±0.66)×10-3 vs. (2.71±0.52)×10-3 and(2.01±0.23)×10-3, P<0.01]. (2) RhoA and ROCKⅠ proteins were also identified in all three groups, and the expressions in the labor and non-labor group were higher than those of the control (RhoA protein: 0.72±0.23 and 0.64±0.17 vs. 0.46±0.15; ROCKⅠ protein: 0.56±0.14 and 0.42±0.16 vs. 0.29±0.08, P<0.01). (3) The expression of RhoA mRNA and ROCKⅠ mRNA were positively correlated in each of the three groups (r=0.73,P<0.01), and the same was found in the expression of RhoA protein and ROCKⅠ protein (r=0.37,P<0.01). Conclusion The increased expression of RhoA and Rho kinase may play an important role in the initiation of labor.     

子宫平滑肌组织中RhoA及Rho激酶的表达与分娩发动的关系

Objective To investigate the role of RhoA and Rho kinase system in the onset of labor. Methods Forty term pregnant women, who delivered through cesarean section at the Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University from February 2007 to November 2007, were selected and divided into 2 groups: 20 in labor group and 20 in non-labor group. Another 20 non-pregnant women undergoing hysterectomy due to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were chosen as the control. Real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR and western blot were applied to detect the expression RhoA and ROCKⅠ mRNA and protein in uterine smooth muscle tissue and the correlation between the mRNA and protein expression of RhoA and ROCKⅠ were analyzed. Results (1) The mRNA expressions of both RhoA and ROCKⅠ were detected in all groups, and higher levels were found in the labor group than in the non-labor group and the control [RhoA mRNA: (3.51±0.56)×10-3 vs. (2.75±0.52)×10-3 and (2.11±0.54)×10-3; ROCKⅠ mRNA: (4.07±0.66)×10-3 vs. (2.71±0.52)×10-3 and(2.01±0.23)×10-3, P<0.01]. (2) RhoA and ROCKⅠ proteins were also identified in all three groups, and the expressions in the labor and non-labor group were higher than those of the control (RhoA protein: 0.72±0.23 and 0.64±0.17 vs. 0.46±0.15; ROCKⅠ protein: 0.56±0.14 and 0.42±0.16 vs. 0.29±0.08, P<0.01). (3) The expression of RhoA mRNA and ROCKⅠ mRNA were positively correlated in each of the three groups (r=0.73,P<0.01), and the same was found in the expression of RhoA protein and ROCKⅠ protein (r=0.37,P<0.01). Conclusion The increased expression of RhoA and Rho kinase may play an important role in the initiation of labor.     

水通道蛋白1和水通道蛋白3在羊水过少孕妇胎盘和胎膜的表达及其意义

Objective To study the expression of aquaporin 1 (AQP1) and aquaporin 3 (AQP3) in fetal membranes and placenta in pregnant women with oligohydramnios and to explore their function in the balance of amniotic fluid. Methods Thirty cases of term pregnancy with oligohydramnios were selected as the experimental group and 30 healthy term pregnant women with normal amniotic fluid volume were served as control. The expressions of mRNA and protein of AQP1 and AQP3 in fetal membranes and placenta were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and streptavidi peroxidase immunohistochemiscal staining. Results The expression of AQP1 mRNA in the amnion of the experimental group was 0.31 relative to that of the control group. The expression of AQP1 protein in the amnion of the experimental group was 0.14±0.02, which showed significant decrease when compared with the control (0.25±0.03) (P<0.05), while no significant difference in the chorion and placenta was found between the two groups(P>0.05). The amount of AQP3 mRNA expressions in amnion and chorion in the experimental group were 0.31 and 0.37 relative to those of the control group, respectively, while 7.36 in the placenta. The expression of the AQP3 protein in the amnion and chorion in the experimental group were 0.18±0.05 and 0.18±0.04, respectively, which showed significant decrease when compared with those in the control group (0. 26±0.03 vs 0.29± 0.06, P<0.05). But the expression of AQP3 protein in the placenta of experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control (0.47±0.09 vs 0.28±0.01, P<0.05). Conclusions The alterations of AQP1 and AQP3 expressions in fetal membrane and placenta in oligohydramniotic women are adaptive response to oligohydramnios.