Expression And Significance Of Glucose Transporters In The Placenta Of Abnormal Glucose Metabolism During Pregnancy

Objective To investigate the expression of glucose transporters in the placenta of gestational diabetes mellitus, and to explore its effect for the glucose transport between mother and fetus and its relation with the growth of the fetus.Method 41 pregnant women with abnormal glycometabolism ( include 7 cases of DM, 10 cases of GDMA1, 10 cases of GIGT and 14 cases of GDMA2 ) and 15 normal pregnant women as control were selected. The distributions of GLUT1 and GLUT3 were detected by immunohistochemistry. Meanwhile, western blotting is performed to ensure their quantity in various groups. The birth weight was also measured at delivery.Results 1. GLUT1 was present in apical microvilli of the syncytiotrophoblast and in the cytotrophoblast, whereas GLUT3 was localized in some endothelial cells, and the expression of them had significant difference among the five groups(H=30.496,P<0.01;χ2=9.595,P<0.01). 2. In the western blotting research for the expression of GLUT1 and GLUT3, we can also see significant difference among these groups. 3. Moreover, positive correlation was shown between the GLUT1 expression and the weight of newborn(rs=0.532, P = 0.007 <0.01).Conclusion 1. The expression of GLUT1 and GLUT3 in the placenta of pregnancy with abnormal glycometabolism is enhanced. 2. In the process of glucose uptake for fetus, GLUT1 may play a predominant role.