| Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the expression of thioredoxin reductase(TR) and thioredoxin(Trx) mRNA ,TR activity and the level of sulfhydryl in proteins in human placenta of preeclampsia, and investigate the relationship between Trx system and pathogenesis of preeclampsia.Methods Semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) were employed to demonstrate the expression of TR and Trx in placenta of preeclampsia and normal case of pregnancy(control group). thioredoxin reductase activity and level of sulfhydryl in proteins were measured spectrophotometricacally.Results(1) RT—PCR analysis demonstrates that the expression of TR and Trx were lower in placenta of preeclampsia than that of control group(p<0.05),and there were lower in severe preeclampsia than that in mild preeclampsia(p<0.05).(2) In preeclampsia group the TR activity and the level of sulfhydryl in proteins were lower than that of control group(p<0.05), and there were lower in severe preeclampsia as compared to mild preeclampsia(p<0.05).(3) There was correlation between TR activity and TR mRNA,the correlation coefficient was 0.612(p<0.001).(4) There was correlation between the level of sulfhydryl in proteins and TR activity the correlation coefficient was 0.621(p<0.001).Conclusion In human placenta of preeclampsia showed decreased expression of TR and Trx ,TR activity and the level of sulfhydryl in proteins.These evidences suggest that Trx system participates in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Trx system may play an important role in preeclampsia. |
