Journal article

Soluble endoglin production is upregulated by oxysterols but not quenched by pravastatin in primary placental and endothelial cells

FC Brownfoot, N Hannan, K Onda, S Tong, T Kaitu'u-Lino

PLACENTA | W B SAUNDERS CO LTD | Published : 2014

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication. Soluble endoglin (sEng) is released from the placenta and contributes to the maternal endothelial dysfunction seen in preeclampsia. Recently oxysterols, which activate the Liver X Receptor (LXR), have been implicated in producing sEng, by upregulating matrix metalloproteinase-14 (MMP14; cleaves endoglin to produce sEng) and down-regulating tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3; inhibitor of MMP14). The functional experiments in that study were performed on JAR cells (human choriocarcinoma cell line) and placental explants. METHODS: We characterized LXR in severe preeclamptic placentas, and assessed whether oxysterols i..

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