Placental ABCA1 Expression Is Increased in Spontaneous Preterm Deliveries Compared with Iatrogenic Preterm Deliveries and Term Deliveries

OBJECTIVE Abnormal expression of ABCA1 and ABCG1 in the placenta can elicit lipid metabolism disorder and adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, whether it is associated with preterm delivery remains unclear. Our present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between abnormal expression of ABCA1 or ABCG1 and preterm delivery. METHODS Maternal blood and placental tissues from women with spontaneous deliveries (SPD), iatrogenic deliveries (IPD), and term deliveries (TD) were collected. The lipid content and expression of ABCA1 and ABCG1 were subsequently measured. RESULTS Compared with IPD and TD groups, the HDL, TD, LDL, and TC levels were lower in the maternal blood but higher (except TC) in the cord blood of the SPD group. The extracellular lipid content in the placentas of the SPD group was also notably lower relative to the IPD and TD groups. Moreover, the protein and mRNA expressions of ABCA1 in the placentas of the SPD group were significantly higher compared with the IPD and TD groups; however, there was no obvious difference among the three groups in the protein and mRNA expressions of ABCG1. CONCLUSIONS Abnormal expression of ABCA1 may be associated with the dysregulation of placental lipid metabolism and the occurrence or development of SPD.