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The umbilical cord, preeclampsia and the VEGF family

Mercedes Olaya-C1, Marta Garrido2, Javier Hernandez-Losa3,3,3

  • 1Department of Pathology, Institute of Human Genetics, The Medical School, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana - Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogota, Colombia, olaya.m@javeriana.edu.co.

International Journal of Women'S Health
|December 21, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) family alterations may link preeclampsia (PE) and umbilical cord anatomical abnormalities (UCAA). This study found lower sFLT1 and VEGF-A levels in the UCAA group, suggesting a role for VEGF in these conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Maternal-fetal medicine
  • Vascular biology

Background:

  • Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including preeclampsia (PE), are significant causes of maternal and neonatal morbidity.
  • Umbilical cord anatomical abnormalities (UCAA) are associated with adverse neonatal outcomes.
  • The VEGF family has been implicated in the pathophysiology of PE.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of VEGF family members in placental and umbilical cord tissues from patients with PE and/or UCAA.
  • To explore the potential link between VEGF alterations and the co-occurrence of PE and UCAA.

Main Methods:

  • An observational, analytical study comparing protein and mRNA expression in placental and umbilical cord tissues.
  • Four groups were analyzed: PE only, UCAA only, both PE and UCAA, and controls.
  • Immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to assess VEGF-A, VEGF R1 (FLT1), MMP1, PLGF, sFLT1, and the sFLT1/PLGF ratio.

Main Results:

  • Statistically significant differences in VEGF family expression were observed between the HDP and UCAA groups.
  • The UCAA group showed significantly lower levels of soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT1) and VEGF-A compared to other groups (P=0.0001 for sFLT1).
  • While most mothers and newborns had no complications, the study identified molecular differences in affected groups.

Conclusions:

  • VEGF family alterations may play a role in both UCAA and HDP.
  • This study provides initial molecular insights into the relationship between VEGF and UCAA.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the origins of UCAA and their connection to HDP.
Abstract

Keywords:
PLGFVEGFpreeclampsiasFLT1stillbirthumbilical cord

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