MiR 20a,-20b and -200c are involved in hydrogen sulfide stimulation of VEGF production in human placental trophoblasts.

UNLABELLED: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been implicated to angiogenesis in various tissues. We sought to investigate the role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in regulating production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins, the key factors of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, in placenta. METHODS: Placental tissues were obtained from pregnant women with preeclampsia and healthy pregnant women who underwent elective cesarean section. Explants and trophoblasts were isolated from healthy placentas and treated with H2S donor and precursor. Western blotting was used to determine the levels of cystathionine ß-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE). The levels of VEGF mRNA, miR miR-200c,-20a and -20b were determined by quantitative real time PCR. RESULTS: NaHS and l-cysteine increased VEGF but not placenta growth factor (PlGF) production in cultured explants and trophoblasts. Transfection of CBS and CSE siRNA reversed the stimulatory effect of l-cysteine on VEGF production in placental cells. H2S prolonged the half-life of VEGF mRNA and decreased the expression of miR-200c,-20a and -20b in placental cells. MiR-200c mimic and inhibitor affected VEGF mRNA and protein level, whereas miR-20a or -20b mimic and inhibitor affect VEGF protein release but not mRNA expression. The expression level of miR-200c,-20a and -20b as well as the level of CBS, CSE and VEGF were downregulated in preeclamptic placentas. CONCLUSION: H2S produced via CSE and CBS plays a critical role in VEGF production in human placenta. Reduced expression of CSE and CBS may contribute to the abnormal production of angiogenic factors in preeclamptic placenta.

[Prevalence and major risk factors of peripartum thromboembolic disease in different regions of Guangdong province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and major risk factors of peripartum thromboembolic disease in different regions of Guangdong province. METHODS: Data from 169 218 pregnant women in different regions of Guangdong province from January 2005 to June 2010 were analyzed retrospectively. The prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of thromboembolic disease during pregnancy or puerperium were investigated. RESULTS: Of the studied population, (1) 201 cases (1.3‰) suffered from thromboembolic disease during pregnancy or puerperium including 128 cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), 68 cases of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) and 5 pulmonary embolism, the prevalence rates were 0.8‰, 0.4‰, and 0.02‰ respectively. (2) Risk factors in different regions showed that, in the Pearl River Delta area, the major risk factors for DVT would include previous or family history of thrombosis, pregnancy complications, with medically involved diseases, prolonged bed rest and pregnancy weight gain>15 kg etc. While in eastern, western, northern parts of Guangdong, the major risk factors for DVT would include pregnancy weight gain>15 kg, prolonged bed rest, preeclampsia, cesarean section and complications during pregnancy. In Pearl River Delta region, the major risk factors for CVT would include eclampsia, preeclampsia, pregnancy complications, prolonged bed rest>3 days, past history or family history of thrombosis. While eclampsia, preeclampsia, advanced age or younger age, pregnancy weight gain>15 kg, complications during pregnancy were the major risk factors for CVT in the eastern, western or northern parts of Guangdong. CONCLUSION: Prevalence and major risk factors of peripartum thromboembolic disease in different regions of Guangdong were different. It was crucial to take effective measures in pregnant women with different epidemiological characteristics and risk factors to prevent and reduce the incidence of peripartum thromboembolic disease.