[Expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha in placenta of pregnancy induced hypertension]

To investigate the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) in placentas of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH).

Placentas of 49 PIH pregnancies (PIH group 1) and 26 normotensive pregnancies (control group 1) were investigated for HIF-1alpha protein expression using microarray and immunohistochemistry. The expression of HIF-1alpha mRNA in placentas of 12 PIH pregnancies (PIH group 2) and 12 normal pregnancies(control group 2) was respectively detected by RT-PCR.

(1) There was significant difference in the positive and slight-moderate-positive spot proportions of HIF-1alpha protein between the PIH group 1 (63.1%, 23.3%) and the control group 1 (20.9%, 7.0%, P < 0.01). (2) The level of HIF-1alpha mRNA between PIH group 2 and control group 2 (0.96 +/- 0.37 vs 0.95 +/- 0.20, P > 0.05) was not statistically different.

(1) There was no significant difference in HIF-1alpha mRNA level between the PIH and normal placentas, but there was a remarkable difference in protein level between the two groups. (2) HIF-1alpha regulate the pathological and physiological progress of PIH at protein level rather than at transcription level.