Decreased very-low-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein receptor messenger ribonucleic acid expression in placentas from preeclamptic pregnancies

The placentas of women with preeclamptic pregnancies do not appear to manufacture normal amounts of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) receptors or low-density lipoprotein LDL receptors. Researchers measured amounts of LDL- and VLDL-receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) in placental tissue from each trimester of normal pregnancies and the third trimester of preeclamptic pregnancies. VLDL- and LDL-receptor mRNA transmits information from the nucleus to the cytoplasm directing manufacture of these receptors. Amounts of both LDL- and VLDL-receptor mRNA increased in healthy pregnancies over time, and mRNA levels were decreased in preeclamptic pregnancies. Abnormal lipid metabolism may play a role in preeclampsia.