Expression of Liver X Receptors in Pregnancies Complicated by Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disorder associated with hyperlipidemia. Liver X receptor (LXR) α and LXRβ are key regulators of lipid homeostasis. In the current study, we investigated expression of LXRα, LXRβ and their target genes in human term placenta, decidua and subcutaneous adipose tissue from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. Furthermore, we analyzed the protein levels of LXRα and LXRβ in placenta. We also analyzed lipid concentrations in term placental tissue. Gene expression of LXRα, LXRβ and fatty acid transporter CD36 was significantly decreased in placental tissues, while increased expression was observed for LXRα in adipose tissue, from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. The placental protein level of LXRβ was reduced, and there was a positive correlation between placental LXRβ mRNA expression and placental free fatty acids in preeclampsia. Our results suggest a possible role for LXRβ as a transcriptional regulator in preeclampsia.