Altered expression of nutrient transporters in syncytiotrophoblast membranes in preeclampsia placentae

Introduction: Expression of nutrient transporters in the placenta affects fetal growth. This study reports the protein expression of nutrient transporters in the syncytial membranes [microvillous membrane (MVM) and basal membrane (BM)] of normotensive control and preeclampsia placentae.Methods: Placentae were collected from fourteen normotensive control women and fourteen women with preeclampsia. The syncytiotrophoblast MVM and BM membranes were isolated. The protein expression of glucose transporter (GLUT1), vitamin B12 transporter (CD320) and fatty acid transporters (FATP2, FATP4) was assessed in both the membranes.Results: Comparison between membranes demonstrates similar CD320 protein expression in normotensive group whereas, in preeclampsia placentae it was higher in the BM as compared to MVM (p < 0.05). FATP2 & 4 protein expression was higher in the BM as compared to their respective MVM fraction in both the groups (p < 0.01 for both).Comparison between groups demonstrates higher GLUT1 expression in the MVM (p < 0.05) and BM (p < 0.05) whereas lower CD320 expression in the MVM (p < 0.05) of preeclampsia placentae as compared to their respective membranes in normotensive control. Furthermore, GLUT1 protein expression was positively associated and CD320 protein expression was negatively associated with maternal body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.05 for both). No difference was observed in the FATP2 & 4 protein expression. However, FATP4 protein expression was negatively associated with maternal blood pressure (p < 0.05 for MVM; p = 0.060 for BM) and birth weight (p < 0.05 for both membranes).Discussion: The current study for the first time demonstrates differential expression of various transporters in the syncytiotrophoblast membranes of the preeclampsia placentae which may influence fetal growth.

Automated summary

This study reveals differential expression of nutrient transporters in the syncytial membranes of preeclampsia placentae, which may impact fetal growth. The protein expression of CD320 was higher in the basal membrane of preeclampsia placentae. FATP2 and FATP4 protein expression was higher in the basal membrane compared to the microvillous membrane in both the control and preeclampsia groups.