Abstract:

Objective   To investigate the expression of chemerin in human placentas at different stages of normal gestation and its relationship with gestation. Methods   The chemerin expression in the placentas on first trimester（n=20）, second trimester (n=15) and third trimester (n=30) of normal pregnancy was determined by Real-time PCR and immuohistochimistry. Results   Chemerin expression was observed in placentas during pregnancy，and was found in the cell cytoplasm of syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast. The expression of chemerin in placentas during second trimester of pregnancy was significantly higher (P<0.05). Conclusion   Chemerin may play an important role in regulating maternal-fetal immune response during pregnancy.

Key words: Chemerin; Pregnancy; Immune response; Maternalfetal metabolism; Placenta