Placental expression of retinol-binding protein 4 in patients with preeclampsia

Purpose of investigation: The aim of this study was to investigate retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) expression in the placenta of patients with preeclampsia and in normal pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Materials and Methods: Sixteen patients with preeclampsia and 11 normal healthy pregnant women were included. Placental RBP4 mRNA levels were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and RBP4 protein expression in placental tissues was determined by western blot analysis and immunofluorescence. Results: Placental RBP4 mRNA expression was increased in patients with preeclampsia compared to normal controls. No association was observed between placental RBP4 mRNA expression and maternal body mass index or neonatal weight. Conclusion: Placental RBP4 expression was upregulated in patients with preeclampsia. This result suggested that placental RBP4 may play a role in exaggerated insulin resistance in preeclampsia.