[310-POS]: Potential role of Klotho protein in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia

Objectives An aging-suppressor gene, klotho, is a candidate factor for vascular disease because its deficiency leads to impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation and impaired angiogenesis. The aim was to verify a possible relation among the expression of the klotho gene, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the promoter region, and placenta aging. Methods Placentas were collected from normal pregnancies ( n  = 34) and pregnancies complicated by Preeclampsia ( n  = 34), matched for gestational age. Klotho mRNA and protein were determined using Real-Time PCR and Western blot, respectively. SNPs (i.e.: −744delA, and −395A/G) were investigated using allele-specific PCR. Expression of pluripotency markers (i.e.: Nanog, and Oct-4) and telomere length measurement were assessed using Real-Time PCR. Results Real-Time PCR analyses demonstrated a significant down-regulation of Klotho ( 83%; p  = 0.005) in patients with Preeclampsia versus Controls. Results of Western Blot agreed with Real-Time PCR ones. Polymorphism analysis results suggest that −744delA allele is associated with 3-fold increased risk for preeclampsia. Real-Time PCR investigation revealed a significant down-regulation of pluripotency markers in pathological group. Conclusions Klotho expression is decreased in preeclamptic pregnancies. Further data are required to confirm the role of this protein in pathophysiology of preeclampsia and the possible link to long term outcomes. Disclosures M. Cecati: None. S.R. Giannubilo: None. A. Corradetti: None. M. Emanuelli: None. F. Saccucci: None. A.L. Tranquilli: None.