Placental expression of AChE, α7nAChR and NF-κB in patients with preeclampsia.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate placental expression of AChE, α7nAChR and NF-κB in patients with preeclampsia and discuss about its clinical significance. Material and methods: mRNA expression levels of acetylcholine (AChE), alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) and nuclear factor-kB (NF-κB) in placenta were detected by qRT-PCR, and protein levels were determined by immunohis­tological analysis and Western Blot in 35 women with preeclampsia (including 20 cases of mild preeclampsia and 15 cases of severe preeclampsia) and 30 cases in control group, respectively. Results: The expression of AChE mRNA and protein in placenta increased significantly in patients with preeclampsia compared with the control group (p 0.05). The expression of NF-κB protein in placenta decreased significantly in patients with preeclampsia compared with the control group(p 0.05). The results of Western blotting assay were consistent with those of immunohistochemistry. Conclusions: Abnormal expression of AChE, α7nAChR and NF-κB in placenta may be associated with preeclampsia. Cho­linergic anti-inflammatory pathway may play an important role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.