Evaluation of ezrin-radixin-moesin protein expression in immunohistochemical and western blot method in smoking and non-smoking preeclamptic placenta

Aim: In this study, our aim is to evaluate the protein expressions of Ezrin-Radixin-Moesin (ERM) by immunohistochemical and Western blot in the placenta of preeclamptic pregnant women who smoke and do not smoke. Material and methods: Placental samples were taken for the histological follow-up of 30 normotensive patients (15 non-smokers and 15 smokers) and 30 preeclampsia patients (15 non-smokers and 15 smokers) hospitalized in the Dicle University Faculty of Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology clinic. Histochemically, Hematoxylin-eosin dye was used, and immunohistochemically, ERM immune staining were performed. Micrographs were taken for analysis of tissues. Results: It was observed that non-smoking preeclampsia lost the integrity of the structures of the villi in the placenta sections. Degeneration in the stromal areas, increase in syncytial nodes and bridges were observed. In the trophoblastic cells, ruptures were observed, hyalinization and fibrinoid areas were observed in the villi. Degeneration of villi was observed in the smoker preeclampsia placenta sections. Conclusion: We have found that smoking significantly affects microvilli and cell-cell linkage, resulting in decreased ERM protein level and may negatively affect placental development. We believe that a treatment that can stimulate activation and control of ERM proteins can contribute to the etiology of preeclampsia.