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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
Three-dimensional Rendering and Analysis of Immunolabeled, Clarified Human Placental Villous Vascular Networks
Published on: March 29, 2018
Gene expression in chorionic villous samples at 11 weeks of gestation in women who develop preeclampsia later in
Antonio Farina1, Danila Morano, Diego Arcelli
1Department of Histology, Embryology and Applied Biology, Division of Prenatal Medicine, Via Belmeloro 8, 40126 Bologna, Italy. antonio.farina@unibo.it
Objectives:
To determine the gene expression profile in chorionic villous samples (CVS) of women destined to develop preeclampsia.
Method:
cDNA microarray technology was employed. Ten singleton fetuses of women who subsequently developed preeclampsia where compared with a pool of 50 controls. The mRNA expression of some of the genes previously found to be up- or down-regulated were validated by RT-PCR in peripheral blood from 23 pregnant women at term affected with preeclampsia and 23 controls.
Results:
Altered expression was found among several genes including those involved in invasion of human trophoblasts (Titin), in inflammatory stress (Lactotransferrin), endothelial aberration (Claudin 6), angiogenesis (Vasohibin 1), blood pressure control (Adducin 1). Also the peripheral blood from preeclampsia patients showed significant differences for all the genes studied.
Conclusion:
CVS show an aberrant gene profile prior to preeclampsia onset that may be predictive of the disease.
