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Expression of angiogenic factor with G patch and FHA domains 1 (AGGF1) in placenta from patients with preeclampsia
Lan-Fen An1, Shu-Qi Chi1, Jun Zhang1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
Insights
Decreased levels of angiogenic factor with G patch and FHA domains 1 (AGGF1) in the placenta are linked to preeclampsia (PE). This finding suggests AGGF1 may play a role in PE development.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Reproductive Biology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality globally.
- PE is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation.
- Abnormal angiogenesis factors are implicated in PE pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the placental localization of angiogenic factor with G patch and FHA domains 1 (AGGF1).
- To compare AGGF1 expression in third-trimester placentas of preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- Placental tissues from 56 women (28 PE, 28 controls) were analyzed.
- AGGF1 expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and Western blot.
- Control group was matched for gestational age at delivery.
Main Results:
- AGGF1 immunoexpression was observed in the syncytiotrophoblast.
- Both mRNA and protein levels of AGGF1 were significantly lower in preeclamptic placentas compared to controls (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Reduced AGGF1 expression in the placenta may contribute to the development of preeclampsia.
- AGGF1 warrants further investigation as a potential biomarker or therapeutic target for PE.
Introduction:
Preeclampsia (PE) is a major contributor to maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. It manifests as high blood pressure and proteinuria in women at more than 20 weeks of gestation. Abnormal levels of anti- and pro-angiogenesis factors are known to be associated with PE. In the present study, we aimed to determine the localisation of angiogenic factor with G patch and FHA domains 1 (AGGF1) in the placenta and to compare the expression levels of AGGF1 in the third-trimester placentas of preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancies.
Materials And Methods:
Placental tissue samples were collected from women with PE (n = 28) and without PE (n = 28). The normotensive controls without PE were matched for gestational age at delivery with the patients with PE. The expression levels of AGGF1 in the placental tissues were evaluated using immunohistochemistry, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.
Results:
The immunoexpression of AGGF1 was localised in the syncytiotrophoblast tissue. Notable, the mRNA and protein expression levels of AGGF1 were decreased in preeclamptic placentas as compared with the normotensive control group (P < 0.05).
Discussion:
Our results suggest that the decreased AGGF1 in preeclamptic placentas may be related to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
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