Effect of hypoxia-reoxygenation on the endocannabinoid system in human placenta.

TOMÁS ETCHEVERRY; MERCEDES NEGRI-MALBRÁN; MARIANA FARINA; FLORENCIA LOUREIRO; NORA MARTÍNEZ; PAULA ACCIALINI; GUSTAVO LEGUIZAMÓN

Modo virtual

Simposio; III Simposio Colombiano de Placenta e Interacción Materno-Fetal; 2020

Endocannabinoids are a group of lipid ligands, which alongside the cannabinoid receptors andthe enzymes in charge of their synthesis and degradation, conform the endocannabinoid system(ECS). Anandamide (AEA) is one of the main endocannabinoids produced by the humanplacenta [1]. Its levels are regulated by synthesis and degradation by NAPE-PLD and FAAHenzymes, respectively [2]. It has been described that the ECS play different roles in humanplacentation, and alterations in this system are associated with placental pathologies [3]. Ourlab has previously demonstrated that preeclamptic placenta express more NAPE-PLD proteinand less FAAH protein and activity, suggesting an increase in AEA tone [4].One of the main models proposed for the pathophysiology of preeclampsia is the damage byhypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R). Our aim was to investigate if H/R or HIF-1α could mimic thechanges observed in the several components of the ECS in preeclampsia. Placental explantswere obtained from elective cesarean term placentas. Explants under H/R showed higherNAPE-PLD mRNA levels, while the HIF-1α stabilization did not present any changes. In thecase of FAAH, both conditions significantly diminished FAAH mRNA. In conclusion, H/Rcould mimic the changes observed in preeclamptic placentas.