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The function of elevated plasma fibronectin in preeclampsia
D B Brubaker1, M G Ross, D Marinoff
1Department of Pathology, Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center, Torrance.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|February 1, 1992
Summary
Plasma fibronectin (FN) increases in preeclampsia, not due to degradation but potentially increased variants. This fibronectin dysfunction, indicated by impaired collagen binding, may contribute to preeclampsia's pathophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Obstetrics
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Plasma fibronectin (FN) levels are elevated in preeclampsia, potentially due to vascular injury, increased production, or degradation.
- The exact cause and functional implications of elevated FN in preeclampsia remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the etiology of elevated plasma fibronectin in preeclampsia.
- To assess the structural integrity and functional capacity of fibronectin in pregnant women and those with preeclampsia.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of plasma fibronectin using nephelometry and turbidimetry.
- Examination of fibronectin structure via Western blotting and gel electrophoresis.
- Assessment of fibronectin function through collagen-binding assays.
Main Results:
- Fibronectin levels were significantly higher in pregnant women compared to nonpregnant women, with a further significant increase in preeclampsia.
- The elevation in fibronectin was not attributed to degradation into multimers but possibly to increased variants.
- Fibronectin's ability to bind collagen, a measure of its function, appeared impaired in pregnancy and preeclampsia.
Conclusions:
- The increased plasma fibronectin in preeclampsia may stem from increased variants rather than degradation.
- Dysfunctional fibronectin, evidenced by reduced collagen binding, is potentially linked to the clinical pathophysiology of preeclampsia.