Transthyretin and Normal Human Pregnancy: Mini Review

Crit Rev Eukaryot Gene Expr. 2016;26(3):273-7. doi: 10.1615/CritRevEukaryotGeneExpr.2016017323.

Abstract

Since transthyretin (TTR) was discovered, it has been regarded as a serum protein carrier of thyroid hormones and retinol. However, many other important functions of TTR have been found recently, and current evidence suggests that it plays a role in human receptivity and normal pregnancy. TTR is abundant in the uterine cavity, uterine secretion, placenta, and serum of pregnant females in the peri-implantation uterus and the first trimester of pregnancy. It may be involved in the delivery of maternal thyroid hormones to the fetus. In addition, it appears to play a key role in the preeclampsia mechanism and may be involved in spiral artery remodeling. This review will summarize what is currently known about TTR and normal pregnancy; it will focus on our findings regarding the role of TTR in the spiral artery remodeling process and the additional research required in the future.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Placenta / metabolism
  • Prealbumin / metabolism*
  • Prealbumin / physiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, First / metabolism*
  • Thyroid Hormones / metabolism
  • Trophoblasts / metabolism

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Prealbumin
  • Thyroid Hormones