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Elevated plasma endothelial microparticles: preeclampsia versus gestational hypertension
Víctor H González-Quintero1, Loren P Smarkusky, Joaquín J Jiménez
1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Miami School of Medicine, PO Box 016960 (R-136), Miami, FL 33101, USA. vhgonzalez@med.miami.edu
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|October 28, 2004
Summary
Endothelial microparticle levels are significantly higher in women with preeclampsia compared to those with gestational hypertension or healthy pregnancies. This finding suggests endothelial microparticles could aid in diagnosing preeclampsia.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Elevated endothelial microparticles are observed in preeclampsia.
- The diagnostic utility of endothelial microparticles in differentiating preeclampsia from gestational hypertension is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare endothelial microparticle levels in preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and healthy pregnant controls.
- To investigate the impact of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension plasma on endothelial microparticle release from renal cells.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 52 preeclampsia, 20 gestational hypertension, and 38 control subjects.
- Flow cytometry used to quantify endothelial microparticles (CD31, CD42b, CD62E).
- In vitro incubation of renal microvascular endothelial cells with patient plasma.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher CD31+/42b- and CD62E+ endothelial microparticle levels in preeclampsia vs. gestational hypertension (P < .01).
- Preeclamptic plasma significantly increased endothelial microparticle release from renal cells compared to gestational hypertension and control plasma.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial microparticle levels are elevated in preeclampsia compared to gestational hypertension and controls.
- Endothelial microparticle measurement shows potential as a diagnostic tool for preeclampsia.