Changes in the composition and structure of proteins of subcellular fractions of the placenta in preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious complication of pregnancy, remaining one of the significant causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity. The factors leading to the development of PE may include changes in such multifunctional molecules as proteins. Purpose of the study. To study the content of nuclear, mitochondrial, and membrane proteins of the placenta and their modification during physiological pregnancy and PE, and to clarify their role in the formation of this obstetric pathology. Material and methods. The study included 30 clinically healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancy and childbirth (control group) and 32 patients with moderate PE. The material for the study was placental tissue. Proteins of subcellular fractions of the placenta were isolated by differential ultracentrifugation. Structural changes in proteins were assessed by the degree of their oxidative carbonylation, amidation, and cyclonucleotide-dependent phosphorylation using spectrophotometric and radioisotope methods. Results. In PE, there is a varying degree of decrease in the production of the studied protein fractions relative to the control parameters. Posttranslational disorders of proteins are characterized by a decrease in the number of amine and amide groups and an increase in carbonyl derivatives of proteins. The intensity of cyclonucleotide-dependent phosphorylation also decreases. Conclusions. The revealed changes in the studied proteins, which perform numerous regulatory functions, may be important links in the chain of placental damage in PE.