[Study on the relationship between activin A, follistatin and preeclampsia]

Zhonghua Fu Chan Ke Za Zhi. 2003 Nov;38(11):676-9.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of maternal serum activin A, follistatin and their mRNA expression in placenta with preeclampsia at term.

Methods: Twenty women with preeclampsia were enrolled in this study. Twenty healthy pregnancies matched for gestational ages were recruited as control group. Maternal serum activin A and follistatin in two groups were compared by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Placental tissues were obtained from preeclampsia and healthy control groups for analysis of activin A mRNA and follistatin mRNA expression by using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Linear correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between placental avtivin A mRNA and maternal serum activin A concentrations.

Results: (1) Maternal serum concentrations of activin A are significantly increased in preeclampsia group (33.7 +/- 6.6) micro g/L compared with control group (9.9 +/- 2.1) micro g/L (P < 0.01). Maternal serum follistatin levels were not different between preeclampsia group (5.1 +/- 0.6) micro g/L and control group (4.7 +/- 0.3) micro g/L (P > 0.05). (2) The placentas of preeclampsia group expressed activin A mRNA levels at significantly higher levels 1.11 +/- 0.21 than that of control group 0.61 +/- 0.17 (P < 0.01). The expression of follistatin mRNA were not different between preeclampsia group 0.57 +/- 0.31 and control group 0.54 +/- 0.27 (P > 0.05). (3) In preeclampsia and control groups, maternal serum activin A concentrations had a significant positive correlation with activin A mRNA expression in placentas (r = 0.89, P < 0.01).

Conclusion: These results suggest that activin A is increased in women with preeclampsia, the elevated levels of activin A due to increased placental production.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Activins / blood*
  • Activins / genetics
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Follistatin / blood*
  • Follistatin / genetics
  • Humans
  • Inhibin-beta Subunits / blood*
  • Inhibin-beta Subunits / genetics
  • Pre-Eclampsia / blood*
  • Pregnancy
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis

Substances

  • Follistatin
  • RNA, Messenger
  • activin A
  • Activins
  • Inhibin-beta Subunits