Evaluation of Fasl and Trail in Exosomes Derived From Placental Explant Cultures of Women with Early- and Late-onset Preeclampsia.

Objectives: The aim was to compare the expression of Fas ligand (FasL) and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in exosomes derived from placental explant cultures between women with preeclampsia (early- and late-onset preeclampsia) and women without any complications of pregnancy.
Methods: A case-control study was performed. Controls included samples of placenta from caesarean sections with healthy mothers and neonates and whose did not present any complications (n=7), cases were divided in two groups: placentas from caesarean sections whose mothers were diagnosed with preeclampsia at < 34 weeks of gestation (early-onset preeclampsia group) and placentas from caesarean sections whose mothers were diagnosed with preeclampsia at ≥ 34 weeks of gestation (late-onset preeclampsia group). Placental explant cultures were performed and exosomes were isolated from the supernatant by ultracentrifugation. Quantification of exosomes, FasL and TRAIL in exosomes were measured by ELISA.
Results: The three groups showed the presence of TRAIL and FasL within exosomes. The early-onset preeclampsia group showed a lower amount of exosomes compared to control group (p=0.03). Regarding FasL, the ratio FasL/exosomes showed greater amount in early-onset preeclampsia group compared to late-onset preeclampsia group (p=0.03) and control group (p=0.03). About TRAIL, the ratio TRAIL/exosomes showed greater amount in early-onset preeclampsia group compared to late-onset preeclampsia group (p=0.04) and control group (p=0.04).
Conclusion: There is an increase of FasL and TRAIL whitin exosomes in early-onset preeclampsia. Placental exosomes carrying FasL and TRAIL could be involved in apoptotic induction in the local vicinity and/or at a distance from the fetal–maternal interface.