Lipopolysaccharide Downregulates 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase 2 Expression through Inhibiting Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor-γ in Placental Trophoblasts

It is increasingly recognized that excessive glucocorticoids induce fetal intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Placental 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (11β-HSD2), a glucocorticoid-catalyzing enzyme, prevents active glucocorticoids from maternal circulation into the fetus, thus protecting against IUGR. Previous studies demonstrated gestational LPS exposure caused fetal IUGR. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of...