Inhibitory Effect of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) on sFlt-1 (Soluble VEGF Receptor-1) Expression in Trophoblast Tumor Cell Line JEG-3

Previous studies have shown altered levels of n-3LCPUFA in the pathophysiologcal conditions such as preeclampsia. Also elevated expression of sFlt-1 in preeclampsia plays a major role in the pathogenesis of this serious disorder especially in reduced placental oxygenation. The present study examines the hypothesis that Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5), an omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3LCPUFAs), may attenuate sFlt-1 gene and protein expression in JEG-3 cells treated with induced hypoxia-like conditions by (DMOG) -induced hypoxia-like conditions.

JEG-3 cells were pretreated with DMOG incubated with EPA. Protein expression of sFlt-1 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Messenger RNA expressions of sFlt-1 was determined by and RT Real Time-PCR.

Our results showed that incubation of JEG-3 cells with DMOG cause a significant elevation in mRNA levels and protein secretion of sFlt-1(P < 0.05). In contrast, EPA decreased the mRNA expression and protein secretion of sFlt-1(P < 0.05). Also mRNA expression and protein secretion of sFlt-1 inhibited cells treated by both EPA and DMOG (P=0.261, P =0.077 respectively).

These findings confirm previous studies that hypoxia caused elevation in sFlt-1 gene expression and protein secretion. Also our studies reveal that effects of n-3 fatty acids in restraining preeclampsia complications may be mediated by suppressing the gene expression and protein secretion of sFlt-1 under hypoxia conditions. This data provide evidence that n-3 LCPUFA can exert its effects through inhibition of the HIF pathway