Placental Mitochondrial DNA and Respiratory Chain Enzymes in the Etiology of Preeclampsia

Abstract

Common mitochondrial DNA mutations seem to play no major role in the universal etiology of preeclampsia, as assessed by analysis of the mitochondrial genome and respiratory chain enzyme activities in vitro. This does not exclude possible alterations in the energy state of the preeclamptic placenta.

Reduced amount of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I messenger RNA in placentas from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia

“…Vuorinen et al, however, reported that the activities of the mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes, including cytochrome c oxidase, were similar in preeclamptic and control groups (16). This discrepancy may be due to the fact that the gestational age was significantly lower in the preeclampsia group than in the control group in Vuorinen's study.…”

Hypertension in pregnancy

“…A common 4977-bp deletion affects genes encoding seven polypeptide components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and five of the 22 tRNAs necessary for mitochondrial protein synthesis. Neither this nor the 7436-bp deletion have been identified in samples of PE mitochondria, 50,51 nor have any of the three most common mtDNA mutations been found 51 (see also: Mitochondrial function below).…”

Persistant pre-eclampsia post partum with elevated liver enzymes and hemolytic uremic syndrome

“…High plasma levels of vitamin E occur in pre-eclampsia with the highest levels in HELLP, suggesting a response to oxidative stress [75]. The Finnish group finds no abnormality in their look at placenta mitochondrial and nuclear DNA mutations including respiratory chain enzyme complexes that would correlate with pre-eclampsia [76]. They also find no abnormality of alpha-feto protein, N-terminal Pro-atrial Natriuretic peptide, and free beta human chorionic gonadotropin predictive of pre-eclampsia, using Down's syndrome screening procedures [77].…”