Expression of syncytin and ASCT2 mRNA in placenta of normal pregnancy and preeclampsia

Objective To investigate the mRNA expression of syncytin and its receptor ASCT2 in placenta of normal pregnancy and preeclampsia. Methods Eleven placental specimens were collected from women with preeclampsia and 11 from normal pregnancy. The relative expression of syncytin and ASCT2 mRNA was detected by two-step real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). Results Syncytin and ASCT2 mRNA expression were detectable in both groups. Compared to normal term placenta, syncytin mRNA expression was significantly less in preeclampsia placentas, P0.05.No difference was observed in ASCT2 mRNA expression between the two groups. Conclusions The decrease of syncytin mRNA expression in preeclampsia placenta may associated with the pathogenesis and pathophysiological process of preeclampsia.