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Published on: August 2, 2017
Soluble adhesion molecule profile in normal pregnancy and pre-eclampsia
T Chaiworapongsa1, R Romero, J Yoshimatsu
1Perinatology Research Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Summary
Normal pregnancy activates platelets and leukocytes, but not endothelial cells. Pre-eclampsia, however, involves activation of platelets, leukocytes, and endothelial cells, indicating a more severe inflammatory state.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive immunology
- Vascular biology
- Maternal-fetal medicine
Background:
- Pre-eclampsia is linked to exaggerated inflammatory responses and endothelial cell dysfunction.
- Adhesion molecules mediate leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions, crucial in inflammatory processes.
- Soluble adhesion molecules in plasma may indicate specific cell type activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in soluble adhesion molecules during normal pregnancy and pre-eclampsia.
- To assess concentrations of soluble selectins and immunoglobulin superfamily members.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study design.
- Plasma concentrations of sL-selectin, sE-selectin, sP-selectin, sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, and sPECAM-1 measured.
- Enzyme-linked immunoassays used for quantification.
Main Results:
- Normal pregnancy showed increased soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) and decreased soluble L-selectin (sL-selectin).
- Pre-eclampsia exhibited increased sP-selectin, soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1), with decreased sL-selectin.
- No significant changes in soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1) and soluble platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (sPECAM-1) were observed in either group.
Conclusions:
- Normal pregnancy is associated with platelet and leukocyte activation, not endothelial cell activation.
- Pre-eclampsia is characterized by the activation of platelets, leukocytes, and endothelial cells.
- Soluble adhesion molecule profiles differentiate normal pregnancy from pre-eclampsia, highlighting distinct inflammatory pathways.
