Expression of placental glucose transporters in pregnant women with abnormal glycometabolism

Objective To investigate the expression of glucose transporters(GLUTs)in placentas of pregnant women with abnormal glyeometabolism,and to explore its effect on glucose transport between mother and fetus and its relation with the birth weight.Methods Placentas of 41 pregnant women with abnormal glycometabolism(7 cases of DM,10 GDM A1,10 GIGT and 14 GDMA2)and 15 normal pregnant women as control were selected.The expression of GLUT1 and GLUT3was detected by immunohistochemistry.The birth weight was measured at delivery.Results GLUT1 was expressed in the syncytiotrophoblasts and cytotrophoblasts,whereas GLUT3 in some endothelial cells.The expressions of GLUT1 and GLUT3 were significantly different among the five groups(P＜0.01).Positive correlation was shown between the GLUT1 expression and the birth weight(rs=0.532,P＜0.01),but not in GLUT3 expression.Conclusions The expression of GLUT1 and GLUT3 in placentas of pregnancy with abnormal glycometabolism is enhanced,and GLUT1 may play a predominant role in the fetal glucose uptake. Key words: Glucose transport proteins,facilitative; Placenta; Pregnancy complications; Glucose metabolism disorders