Expression of steroidogenic enzymes in human placenta according to the gestational age.

Expression of steroidogenic enzymes in human placenta according to the gestational age.
Mol Med Rep. 2019 Mar 15;:
Authors: Hong SH, Kim SC, Park MN, Jeong JS, Yang SY, Lee YJ, Bae ON, Yang HS, Seo S, Lee KS, An BS
Abstract
Female sex steroid hormones, including estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4), serve significant physiological roles in pregnancy. In particular, E2 and P4 influence placenta formation, maintain pregnancy and stimulate milk production. These hormones are produced by ovaries, adrenal glands and the placenta, of which the latter is a major endocrine organ during pregnancy. However, the mechanism of hormone production during pregnancy remains unclear. In the present study, the regulation of steroid hormones and steroidogenic enzymes was examined in human placenta according to gestational age. In human placental tissues, expression levels of steroidogenic enzymes were determined with reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The mRNA and protein expression of CYP17A1, HSD17B3 and CYP19A1, which are associated with the synthesis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and E2, was elevated at different gestational ages in human placenta. In addition, to evaluate the correlation between serum and placental‑produced hormones, steroid hormone levels, including pregnenolone (PG), DHEA, P4, testosterone (T) and E2, were examined in serum and placenta. Serum and placenta expression of DHEA ...

Source: Molecular Medicine Reports - March 23, 2019 Category: Molecular Biology Tags: Mol Med Rep Source Type: research