SEMA3B but Not CUL1 as Marker for Pre-Eclampsia Progression

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Vascular biology
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Pregnancy complications like pre-eclampsia (PE) arise from an imbalance in angiogenic factors, impairing trophoblast invasion and uterine artery remodeling.
• Semaphorin 3B (SEMA3B), an anti-angiogenic factor, and cullin 1 (CUL1), a pro-angiogenic factor, are present in placental tissue and maternal circulation.
• Investigating the relationship between serum and placental levels of SEMA3B and CUL1 in late-onset PE is crucial for understanding disease mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the correlation between serum and placental levels of semaphorin 3B (SEMA3B) and cullin 1 (CUL1) in patients with late-onset pre-eclampsia (PE).
• To determine if SEMA3B and CUL1 serum levels can serve as potential biomarkers for monitoring PE progression.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 50 women with late-onset PE (≥ 32 weeks gestation).
• Maternal serum samples were collected pre-delivery, and placental tissues were obtained post-delivery.
• SEMA3B and CUL1 levels were quantified using ELISA, with statistical analysis performed using Spearman correlation (P < 0.05 significance).

Main Results:

• A significant positive correlation was observed between elevated serum SEMA3B and increased placental SEMA3B levels in late-onset PE (R = 0.620, P = 0.000).
• No significant correlation was found between alterations in serum CUL1 levels and corresponding placental CUL1 levels.

Conclusions:

• Circulating maternal SEMA3B levels show a significant correlation with placental SEMA3B, indicating its potential as a biomarker.
• Maternal serum CUL1 levels do not correlate with placental CUL1, suggesting it may not be a reliable indicator for monitoring PE.
• SEMA3B alteration in maternal circulation may be a valuable tool for monitoring pre-eclampsia progression during pregnancy.