Alterations in P-glycoprotein Expression in the Placenta of Obese Rats and Humans
Péter Szatmári1, Kata Kira Kemény1, Andrea Surányi2
1Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged, Eötvös Street 6, 6720 Szeged, Hungary.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|July 29, 2025
Summary
Maternal obesity reduces placental P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression in rats and humans. This decrease may increase fetal and placental susceptibility to P-gp substrates, potentially leading to pregnancy complications.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Metabolic disorders
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Obesity affects 30% of pregnancies globally, increasing risks.
- Maternal obesity is linked to placental dysfunction and complications.
- Placental efflux transporters like P-glycoprotein (P-gp) influence fetal development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of obesity on placental P-glycoprotein expression.
- To compare P-gp expression in a rodent model and human placental tissue.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a high-fat, high-sugar diet-induced gestational obesity rat model.
- Measured P-gp mRNA and protein levels via RT-PCR and Western blot.
- Analyzed human term placenta from obese and non-obese women.
Main Results:
- Obese rats showed reduced fetal, placental, and uterine weights.
- Placental P-gp mRNA and protein levels were significantly decreased in obese rats.
- A similar reduction in placental P-gp expression was observed in obese women.
Conclusions:
- Obesity leads to decreased placental P-gp expression in both rats and humans.
- Reduced P-gp may enhance fetal and placental vulnerability to P-gp substrates.
- This alteration could contribute to pregnancy complications and drug contraindications in obese pregnancies.
