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Implication of umbilical cord in preeclampsia
Ragaa H M Salama1, Mohamed M F Fathalla, Abdel-Raheim M Mekki
1Department of Biochemistry, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt. ragaa_2002 @ yahoo.com
Summary
Biochemical markers like VEGF and PD-ECGF increase in preeclampsia (PE), while nitric oxide (NO) decreases. The umbilical cord and placenta contribute to these changes in PE.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious pregnancy complication.
- Understanding the biochemical underpinnings of PE is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of biochemical changes in the umbilical cord and placenta in the development of preeclampsia.
- To analyze specific angiogenic and vasoactive substances in maternal and fetal compartments.
Main Methods:
- Study included 30 women with PE and 15 healthy controls.
- Measured serum and tissue levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (sVEGFR-1), platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (PD-ECGF), neutrophil elastase, and nitric oxide (NO).
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated levels of VEGF, sVEGFR-1, PD-ECGF, and neutrophil elastase were observed in both serum and tissues of PE patients.
- Nitric oxide (NO) levels were significantly decreased in PE patients' serum and umbilical cord tissue, with no change in placental tissue.
- Higher concentrations of PD-ECGF and neutrophil elastase, and lower NO levels were noted in severe PE cases.
Conclusions:
- The umbilical cord and placenta are sources of vasoactive and angiogenic substances contributing to PE pathogenesis.
- These findings highlight the potential of umbilical cord and placental analysis for understanding PE.
- Further research can explore these markers for improved PE diagnostics and therapeutics.
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