Evaluation of the expression of ezrin-radixin-moesin proteins in the placenta of pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes by immunohistochemistry and western blot methods

Aim: In this study, we aimed to investigate the placental expression levels of ezrin, radixin and moesin, that are known as members of ERM protein family in gestational diabetes mellitus and normotensive term placenta by immunohistochemical and western blot analyses. Materials and Methods: In this study, placentas of 20 normotensive and 20 GDM mothers whom applied to Dicle University Medical Faculty Hospital due to birth were used. Placentas were dissected and routine histological tissue processing protocol was performed. Also, some tissue samples were kept at -80°C for western blot analysis. Following routine protocols, histological samples stained with H&E and examined under light microscope. In addition, the expression levels and localizations of ezrin, radixin and moesin in the placenta were evaluated by western blot and immunohistochemistry methods. Results: Besides normal histology in kontrol placentas, severe histopathological degenerations and morphological abnormalities were observed in GDM placenta. When we evaluated expression of ezrin, radixin and moesin, we observed immunpositivity of these proteins in various parts of the placenta, mainly at trophoblast cells and endothelial cells of fetal capilleries. Expression of these proteins were confirmed with western blot analyses both in control and GDM placenta. However, it was obvious that expression of ezrin, radixin and moesin was reduced in GDM placenta. Conclusion: The expression level of the members of ERM protein family, that are generally involved to the actin skeleton structure, decreases in GDM placenta. We believe this cellular abnormality may play a key role in pathophysiology of GDM.