Differential Expression of Heat Shock Proteins and Inflammatory Changes in Preeclamptic Placental Explants

Preeclampsia, pregnancy related disorder is associated with increased OS leading to exacerbated inflammation and lipids alteration. Preeclamptic placentas are more susceptible to ROS mediated apoptosis causing preterm delivery due to enhanced oxidative stress. Explant culture is a process of tissue which reflects the status of stress in entire placenta in-utero. Apart from anti-apoptotic function, heat shock proteins sustain fetal development during preeclampsia by acting as anti-inflammatory protein. Thus the purpose of this study is to explore oxidation of free radical (4-HNE), cytokines expression, lipid profile and expression of HSP70 and HSP90α in both normotensive and preeclamptic placental explants for first time. Level of 4-HNE, NFκB, TNFα, HSP70 and HSP90α were significantly increased with significant decrease in total cholesterol, TG, VLDL, LDL in preeclamptic placental explants. There was an insignificant change in HDL level between preeclamptic and normotensive placental explants. Increase in HSP70 and HSP90α expression indicates the existence of protective mechanisms initiated against generated ROS produced by altered lipid profile and may promote live fetal delivery during preeclampsia. Thus the study emphasizes the understanding of inflammatory and lipid profile changes during preeclampsia. This may provide substantial insight into the nature of preeclampsia and to prevent progressive maternal and neonatal complications.