Auto antibodies against oxidized low density lipoprotein in severe preeclampsia

BACKGROUND: To study autoantibody titres against oxidized low density lipoprotein in preeclamsia. METHODS: Ten millimeters of heparinized blood samples were collected from 20 primigravidae with severe preeclamsia (study group) and 20 gestation-matched normotensive primigravidae (control group). Concentration of malondialdehyde, metabolite of lipid peroxidation were measured in sera by HPLC and autoantibodies against oxidized low density lipoproteins (obtained after oxidation with 2 mm CuSO(4)) were determined by ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed by Student's t-test and chi(2) test. RESULTS: Mean triglyceride levels were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in the study group (193.20 +/- 31.16 mg/dL) compared to the control group (170.60 +/- 23.2 mg/dL). Mean plasma lipid per oxide levels were not significantly different between the study (4.45 +/- 1.28 mmol/mL) and control (3.88 +/- 0.99 mmol/mL) groups. The majority of women in both groups had low antibody titres (<1.32) against low density lipoprotein. Six women (30%) of the study group and four (20%) of the control group had high autoantibody titres (>/=1.32). In preeclamptic women, diastolic blood pressure, the amount of urinary protein excretion and the plasma level of urea were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in patients with higher auto antibody titre. CONCLUSION: Titres of autoantibodies to oxidized low density lipoprotein were similar in normotensive and preeclamptic women. In preeclamptic women, titres correlated positively with the severity of preeclampsia.     

子(癎)前期患者血中氧化低密度脂蛋白及可溶性细胞间黏附分子-1水平的变化及意义

目的探讨子癎前期(preeclampsia,PE)患者血浆中氧化低密度脂蛋白(oxidized low density lipoprotein,oxLDL)和可溶性细胞间黏附分子-1(soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1,sICAM-1)水平的变化及其意义。方法采用酶联免疫吸附法(enzyme-linked immunosorbent as-say,ELISA),检测50例PE患者[PE组,其中子癎前期轻度(mild preeclampsea,MPE)及子癎前期重度(severe preeclampsia,SPE)各25例]及25例同期正常孕妇(对照组)血浆中oxLDL和sICAM-1的水平变化。结果PE患者血浆中oxLDL和sICAM-1水平[分别为(30.56±10.29)μg/dl和(703.25±184.21)μg/L]均显著高于对照组[分别为(21.48±10.41)μg/dl和(258.07±67.45)μg/L,P均<0.01]。PE组中,SPE组oxLDL和sICAM-1的水平[分别为(33.74±9.57)μg/dl和(820.02±173.47)μg/L]均显著高于MPE组[分别为(27.39±10.18)μg/dl和(586.48±103.85)μg/L,P<0.05和<0.01]。PE组血浆oxLDL与sICAM-1的水平呈显著正相关(r=0.6175,P<0.01)。结论PE的发病与血清中oxLDL和sICAM-1的水平异常有密切关系。     

Autophagy protects against oxidized low density lipoprotein-mediated inflammation associated with preeclampsia

IntroductionInflammatory responses play an important role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Recently, the anti-inflammatory role played by autophagy has drawn increasing attention. Our aim was to investigate variations in autophagy in preeclampsia and protection against oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-mediated inflammation by autophagy.MethodsWe used immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time PCR, and western blotting to analyze the expression of autophagy proteins (beclin-1 and LC3II/LC3I) in preeclampsia placentas and in JEG-3 cells treated with oxLDL and rapamycin.ResultsWe found a decreased level of autophagy proteins in preeclampsia placentas, and oxLDL did not induce autophagy in JEG-3 cells. Furthermore, when cells were pretreated with rapamycin, autophagy was activated and expression of inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6) induced by oxLDL was downregulated.ConclusionWe conclude that impaired autophagy in preeclampsia has potential to decrease trophoblast protection from oxidative and inflammatory stress, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.     

A case-control study of oxidized low density lipoproteins and preeclampsia risk.

Diffuse vascular endothelial dysfunction, secondary to oxidative stress, is an important pathological feature of preeclampsia. Oxidative conversion of low density lipoproteins (LDL) to oxidized-LDL (Ox-LDL) is considered an important step in transforming macrophages into lipid-laden foam cells destined to develop into early atherosclerotic-like lesions. In our study of 95 women with preeclampsia and 100 controls, we evaluated the association between maternal plasma Ox-LDL concentrations and preeclampsia risk. Ox-LDL concentrations were measured using a solid phase two-site enzyme immunoassay. Plasma lipids were measured using standard enzymatic procedures. We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusted for confounders. Plasma Ox-LDL concentrations were positively correlated with cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and LDL concentrations in cases and controls, (Spearman's r ranging from 0.39-0.48, p-values all <0.01). There was no evidence of an increased risk of preeclampsia across increasing quartiles of Ox-LDL. The ORs for successive quartiles, with the lowest as the reference group, were as follows: 1.0, 1.1, 0.6, and 1.2. Women with extremely high concentrations of Ox-LDL (> or =73 U/L, the upper decile), as compared with those with lower values (<73 U/L) had a 2.7-fold increased risk of preeclampsia (95% CI 1.0-6.8). Women with high Ox-LDL and high TG concentrations (> or =284 mg/dl), as compared with those without these two factors, had a 9.6-fold increased preeclampsia risk (95% CI 2.0-45.6). Elevated Ox-LDL, particularly in conjunction with elevated TG, appears to be a risk factor of preeclampsia.     

Circulating oxidized low-density lipoprotein and paraoxonase activity in preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is one of the most frequent complications of pregnancy, however, little is known about its etiology. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and paraoxonase (PON1) activity in women with either preeclampsia or normotensive (NT) pregnancy. The study groups included 41 pregnant women with preeclampsia and 33 normotensive pregnant women. In all patients maternal serum total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TGs) were measured using enzymatic methods. Serum PON1 activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were measured by spectrophotometric methods, and oxLDL was measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Serum concentrations of lipid parameters (TC, LDL, VLDL, and TGs) were significantly higher in preeclampsia compared with NT controls (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, and p < 0.001, respectively). Serum concentrations of MDA and oxLDL were significantly higher, while PON1 activity was significantly lower in preeclampsia compared with NT controls (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). A positive correlation was detected between oxLDL and MDA (r = 0.876), and a negative correlation was detected between both MDA and oxLDL and PON1 (r = -0.837 and r = -0.759, respectively). Our data demonstrate that preeclampsia is associated with increased oxLDL and decreased PON1 activity. Elevated oxidative stress, oxLDL, dyslipidemia and decreased PON1 activities may cause vascular endothelial damage and contribute to the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.     

早发型重度子痫前期患者血清高密度脂蛋白水平变化及其临床意义

目的 探讨早发型重度子痫前期患者血清中高密度脂蛋白（HDL）水平的变化及其在发病中的临床意义。方法 选择2011-11-01至2013-10-01于青岛市市立医院产科住院的45例早发型重度子痫前期患者为早发型重度子痫前期组,同期50例正常健康孕妇作为正常妊娠组。检测两组孕妇血清中HDL、载脂蛋白A1含量及抗心磷脂抗体(ACA)IgG、IgM滴度。结果 早发型重度子痫前期组患者血清中HDL含量和ACA阳性率均高于正常妊娠组,而载脂蛋白A1含量较正常妊娠组降低,两组差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;HDL含量与ACA滴度两组之间无明显相关性。结论 高密度脂蛋白可能与早发型重度子痫前期发病有关。     

Comparison of maternal and umbilical cord blood soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 levels in early- and late-onset preeclampsia

Background

The main purpose of this study was to determine the maternal and umbilical cord blood oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (sLOX-1) levels in early- and late-onset preeclampsia (PE).

Materials and methods

A case–control study was conducted in pregnant women with early-onset (before 34 weeks’ gestation n = 19) and late-onset (after 34 weeks’ gestation n = 22) PE compared to healthy normotensive pregnant controls (n = 44). Groups were compared for the maternal and umbilical cord plasma oxLDL and serum sLOX-1 levels.

Results

The mean maternal and umbilical cord serum sLOX-1 and plasma oxLDL levels were significantly increased in early- and late-onset PE compared to controls (p < 0.001). When early- and late-onset PE women were compared with serum sLOX-1 levels, the increase was more pronounced in early PE (p < 0.001). However, same comparison is not statistically significant in cord blood for oxLDL where as it is significantly higher in maternal blood for oxLDL in early-onset PE group. Maternal and cord blood oxLDL and sLOX-1 levels are positively correlated with each other; however, they are negatively correlated with fetal weight and gestational age.

Conclusions

According to our results, maternal and umbilical cord blood levels of oxLDL and sLOX-1 were higher in preeclamptic pregnant. Thus, for the first time it has been shown that oxLDL and sLOX-1 levels were higher in fetal circulation as well as plasma of preeclamptic pregnant. However, sLOX-1 levels seem to be more implying than oxLDL for the differentiation of early and late preeclampsia.     

Paraoxonase gene polymorphism, serum lipid, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein in preeclampsia

OBJECTIVES: Human paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) is thought to play a role in preeclampsia and atherosclerosis, mainly through a reduction in low-density lipoprotein oxidation. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is very important in endothelial dysfunction of preeclampsia. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between PON1 gene polymorphism and preeclampsia and to determine concentrations of serum lipid in preeclampsia patients. We aimed also to evaluate serum oxidized LDL levels in normal and preeclampsia patients. STUDY DESIGN: We performed the present study in 57 control women and 32 preeclampsia patients. PON-1 genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction amplification and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Serum triglyceride, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were measured. We also measured serum levels of oxidized LDL by ELISA method. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in PON1 genotype frequencies between the control and preeclampsia patients. The levels of serum cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein were significantly lower in preeclampsia patients compared with that of the control women (p=0.05, and p<0.01, respectively). The serum levels of oxidized LDL in preeclampsia patients were significantly higher than those in the control women (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the importance of the atherogenic lipid profile and oxidized LDL that is enhanced in preeclampsia, and these findings may be significant contributors to endothelial dysfunction.     

Low plasma levels of decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) in the third trimester of pregnancy with preeclampsia

ObjectiveThe pathophysiology of preeclampsia, a major threat during pregnancy characterized by excessive inflammatory status, remains unclear. Decoy receptor 3 (DcR3), a soluble member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily, is capable of inducing anti-apoptosis via binding with TL1A and anti-inflammation by driving Th2 immune reactions. DcR3 may, therefore, play a role in immune modulation during pregnancy. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of DcR3 in normal and preeclamptic pregnancies.Materials and methodsPlasma samples from 104 normal pregnant women (26, 42, and 36 in the first, second, and third trimester, respectively) and 10 patients with preeclampsia in the third trimester were collected. Plasma DcR3 levels were determined by using commercial ELISA kits. ANOVA and linear regression analysis were performed to analyze the relationship between gestational age and DcR3 levels. After adjusting for gestational days, the levels of plasma DcR3 in preeclamptic and non-preeclamptic women in the third trimester were compared.ResultsThe plasma levels of DcR3 gradually decreased as the gestational days increased during pregnancy (p < 0.05). In the third trimester, pregnant women with preeclampsia had significantly lower plasma DcR3 levels compared to non-preeclamptic women (p < 0.05).ConclusionsWe found that plasma DcR3 levels gradually decreased as gestation progressed. The levels of plasma DcR3 in preeclamptic women were significantly lower than those of normal pregnant women, suggesting that a potential involvement of DcR3 in normal pregnancy and decreased levels of DcR3 may be related to preeclampsia.     

Analysis of plasma elastase levels in early and late onset preeclampsia

Background: Circulatory neutrophils have been reported to be activated in preeclampsia. It has been suggested that maternal plasma levels of elastase may serve as a possible cell-free marker to quantify such activation. Although plasma elastase levels have been found to be elevated in cases with manifest preeclampsia and eclampsia, this has not yet been examined in cases with early and late onset preeclampsia. We have now examined this aspect. Methods: In this retrospective study, maternal plasma samples were examined from eight cases with early onset preeclampsia (<34 weeks of gestation), eight cases with late onset preeclampsia (>34 weeks of gestation) and an equal number of gestational age matched normotensive term controls. Plasma concentrations of elastase were measured by ELISA using a commercially available assay. Results: Plasma elastase concentrations were significantly elevated the preeclampsia study group when compared to the normotensive control group (median=139.2 ng/ml versus median=72.1 ng/ml; P=0.0025). These elevations remained significant when the preeclampsia study group was stratified into case with early onset preeclampsia (median=118.8 ng/ml versus median=62.2 ng/ml; P=0.03), but jailed failed to attain significance for those cases with late onset preeclampsia (median=181.3 ng/ml versus median=86.3 ng/ml; P=0.061). Conclusions: Our data indicate that elastase levels are elevated in both early and late onset forms of preeclampsia, and imply that the activation of neutrophils may be more acute in the former than in the latter (238 words).     

Acetylated low density lipoprotein endocytosis by human syncytiotrophoblast in culture

Low density lipoproteins (LDL) were chemically modified (acetyl LDL) and then conjugated to collo?dal gold (gold acetyl LDL), firstly, to visualize the acetyl LDL binding sites, and secondly, to demonstrate a possible internalization by human syncytiotrophoblast in culture. Cells were obtained by a trypsin DNase method followed by a Percoll gradient centrifugation. After 3 days of culture the syncytiotrophoblast characterization was performed by using ultramicroscopy, immunohistochemistry, and by studying the secretion of gestational hormones during culture. Binding experiments showed gold acetyl LDL attached to the membrane with random distribution. After incubation at 37 degrees C, gold acetyl LDL was internalized by the syncytiotrophoblast following the classical receptor mediated endocytosis process and a non-specific internalization process. These results suggest the existence in the placenta of a 'scavenger pathway' concomittant of the classical LDL internalization. This phenomenon may be related to the high amount of cholesterol required by the human placenta for its cellular growth and intensive progesterone synthesis.     

氧化低密度脂蛋白及其受体与子痫前期发病的关系

目的 探讨氧化低密度脂蛋白(oxLDL)及血凝集素样氧化低密度脂蛋白受体1(LOX-1)与子痫前期发病的关系.方法 选择2007年6月至2008年1月在青岛大学医学院附属医院产科住院分娩的子痫前期孕妇73例,其中轻度子痫前期孕妇35例(轻度子痫前期组),重度子痫前期孕妇38例(重度子痫前期组).选取同期正常晚期妊娠妇女45例为对照组.采用酶联免疫吸附试验检测各组孕妇血浆中oxLDL水平;采用RT-PCR、蛋白印迹法分别检测各组孕妇胎盘组织中LOX-1 mRNA及蛋白表达水平;采用RT-PCR检测各组孕妇胎盘组织中半胱氨酸天门冬氨酸蛋白酶-3(caspase-3)mRNA表达水平.结果 (1)轻度及重度子痫前期组孕妇血浆中oxLDL水平分别为(0.42±0.11)及(0.68±0.12)mg/L,明显高于对照组的(0.35±0.14)mg/L,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);重度子痫前期组又明显高于轻度子痫前期组(P<0.01).(2)轻度及重度子痫前期组孕妇胎盘组织中LOX-1mRNA表达水平分别为0.70±0.10及0.84±0.08,明显高于对照组的0.58±0.11,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);重度子痫前期组又明显高于轻度子痫前期组(P<0.01).(3)轻度及重度子痫前期组孕妇胎盘组织中LOX-1蛋白表达水平分别为0.79±0.15及0.90±0.12,明显高于对照组的0.68±0.11,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);重度子痫前期组又明显高于轻度子痫前期组(P<0.01).(4)轻度及重度子痫前期组孕妇胎盘组织中caspase-3 mRNA表达水平分别为3.82±0.18及5.39±0.14,明显高于对照组的2.19±0.20,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);重度子痫前期组又明显高于轻度子痫前期组(P<0.01).(5)轻度及重度子痫前期组孕妇血浆中oxLDL水平与胎盘组织中LOX-1 mRNA表达水平呈正相关(r=0.93,P<0.05);胎盘组织中LOX-1 mRNA表达与胎盘组织caspase-3 mRNA表达水平呈正相关(r=0.84,P<0.05).结论 子痫前期孕妇血浆中oxLDL水平升高,并上调胎盘组织中的LOX-1表达水平,从而参与子痫前期的病理生理过程.     

Third trimester plasma neurokinin B levels in women with and without preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to measure neurokinin B (NKB) levels in pregnant women with and without preeclampsia (PE) in the third trimester. The study focused on the Black (sub-Saharan ancestry) and 'mixed ancestry' (synonymous with 'colored' and denotes an established race group of Khoisan, European, Malay, Malagascan, African, and South Indian ancestry) populations, constituting the majority of inhabitants of the Western Cape Province of South Africa. METHODS: Questionnaires were used to obtain clinical data from pregnant 'mixed ancestry' and Black women. Third trimester plasma NKB levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique (EIA) in 72 pregnant women with PE and in 94 healthy women. The EIA results were then correlated with clinical data. RESULTS: The mean NKB concentration in the PE groups (23.5 ng/L for 'mixed ancestry' and 15.0 ng/L for Black women) was significantly higher than in the control groups (3.8 ng/L and 4.4 ng/L, respectively; p < or = 0.001). No significant differences in maternal clinical data were found between the diseased groups. CONCLUSIONS: Using the EIA technique, this study confirms previous reports of elevated NKB levels in the plasma of PE women in the third trimester. Whether increased NKB levels are causative or merely associated with PE remains unknown, as do the causative molecular mechanisms. Future longitudinal studies are certainly needed to further elucidate the predictive value of NKB in PE.     

Third trimester plasma neurokinin B levels in women with and without preeclampsia

Objective. This study was undertaken to measure neurokinin B (NKB) levels in pregnant women with and without preeclampsia (PE) in the third trimester. The study focused on the Black (sub-Saharan ancestry) and ‘mixed ancestry’ (synonymous with ‘colored’ and denotes an established race group of Khoisan, European, Malay, Malagascan, African, and South Indian ancestry) populations, constituting the majority of inhabitants of the Western Cape Province of South Africa.

Methods. Questionnaires were used to obtain clinical data from pregnant ‘mixed ancestry’ and Black women. Third trimester plasma NKB levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique (EIA) in 72 pregnant women with PE and in 94 healthy women. The EIA results were then correlated with clinical data.

Results. The mean NKB concentration in the PE groups (23.5 ng/L for ‘mixed ancestry’ and 15.0 ng/L for Black women) was significantly higher than in the control groups (3.8 ng/L and 4.4 ng/L, respectively; p ≤ 0.001). No significant differences in maternal clinical data were found between the diseased groups.

Conclusions. Using the EIA technique, this study confirms previous reports of elevated NKB levels in the plasma of PE women in the third trimester. Whether increased NKB levels are causative or merely associated with PE remains unknown, as do the causative molecular mechanisms. Future longitudinal studies are certainly needed to further elucidate the predictive value of NKB in PE.     

Early second-trimester plasma levels of NT-proBNP in women who subsequently develop early-onset preeclampsia

Plasma levels of NT-proBNP are elevated in women with preeclampsia at the time of diagnosis. The objective of this case-control study was to evaluate N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) in maternal plasma as an early second-trimester biomarker for prediction of early-onset preeclampsia. In early second-trimester samples, women who later developed preeclampsia at gestational age 34 wk?+?0 or earlier (n?=?16) had similar plasma levels of NT-proBNP (median 51.8, range 26.1–131.9?pg/ml) as women with uncomplicated pregnancy outcomes (n?=?43) (53.0, 14.9–184.2?pg/ml). The early second-trimester level of NT-proBNP cannot therefore be used as a predictive biomarker of early-onset preeclampsia.     

Low seminal plasma folate concentrations are associated with low sperm density and count in male smokers and nonsmokers

OBJECTIVE: To measure folate levels in seminal plasma from smokers and nonsmokers and to evaluate relationships between seminal plasma folate levels and both folate nutriture and semen quality measures. DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: United States Department of Agriculture, Western Human Nutrition Research Center, Presidio of San Francisco, San Francisco, California. PATIENT(S): Healthy male smokers (n=24) and nonsmokers (n=24). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Blood levels of plasma folate and homocysteine, seminal plasma total, non-methyl- and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate concentrations, and total sperm count and density. RESULTS: Total seminal plasma folate concentrations were on average 1.5 times higher than blood plasma folate concentrations in all men. Seminal plasma folates contained 5-methyltetrahyrdofolate (74% of total) and non-methyltetrahydrofolates (26% of total); all samples had less than four glutamyl residues. Total and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate concentrations correlated significantly with blood plasma folate and homocysteine concentrations. Seminal plasma non-methyltetrahydrofolate levels correlated significantly with sperm density and total sperm count. Seminal plasma of smokers contained a proportionally lower concentration of non-methyltetrahydrofolates compared with nonsmokers. CONCLUSION(S): Seminal plasma total folate and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate concentrations reflect folate nutriture. The non-methyltetrahydrofolate fraction of seminal plasma may be important for male reproductive function.