ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine that preeclampsia is associated with differential expression of death domain receptor-3(DDR-3), caspase-10, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3(IGFBP-3). METHODS: Placenta were collected from 10 preeclampsias and from 15 normal pregnancies and the samples were immediately frozen and stored at -70degrees C. Total mRNA was extracted from placental tissue and then analysis of the expressions of DDR-3, caspase-10, and IGFBP-3 were performed by quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: Quantitative RT-PCR analysis demonstrated significantly increased DDR-3 and caspase-10 expression levels and significantly decreased IGFBP-3 expression level in the placenta of preeclampsia compared with normal pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Placental apoptosis is associated with DDR-3, caspase-10, and IGFBP-3. These results may be one of possible mechanisms in the placental apoptosis of preeclampsia.