The expression of sirtuin1 in normal and preeclamptic villous explants under hypoxia

Abstract

Purpose of investigation: To investigate the expression of sirtuin1 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha in normal and preeclamptic placenta under hypoxia. Materials and Methods: Twelve women with severe preeclampsia and ten normotensive women were enrolled in the study. Villous explants from the placenta were collected following cesarean delivery. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemical staining were performed to evaluate mRNA expression, as well as to quantify and identify the tissue localization of SIRT1 and HIF-1 alpha in each placenta. Results: SIRT1 mRNA expression was lower in preeclamptic villous explants than in normal explants, while HIF-1 alpha mRNA expression was higher in the preeclamptic placenta than in the normal placenta. Expression of SIRT1 mRNA decreased under hypoxia, although expression of HIF-1 alpha mRNA increased after 6 and 24 hours of hypoxia. Conclusion: Down-regulation of SIRT1 might be associated with stabilization of HIF-1 alpha following prolonged hypoxia in preeclamptic placenta.