[en] Several growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and placental growth factor (PlGF) are involved in the placental vascular development. We investigated whether dysregulation in the VEGF family may explain the defective uteroplacental vascularization characterizing preeclampsia. We compared pregnancies complicated by early onset severe preeclampsia or intrauterine growth retardation to normal pregnancies. Maternal plasma, placentas, and placental bed biopsies were collected. The mRNA levels of VEGF-A, PlGF, and their receptors were quantified in placentas and placental beds. Levels of VEGF-A, PlGF, and soluble VEGF receptor (VEGFR) were assessed in maternal plasma. In compromised pregnancies, elevated levels of VEGF-A and VEGFR-1 mRNAs may reflect the hypoxic status of the placenta. On contrast, the membrane-bound VEGFR-1 was decreased in the placental bed of preeclamptic patients. Preeclampsia was associated with low levels of circulating PlGF and increased levels of total VEGF-A and soluble VEGFR-1. Free VEGF-A was undetectable in maternal blood. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that VEGF-A and PlGF were localized in trophoblastic cells. Altogether, our results suggest two different pathophysiological mechanisms associated with preeclampsia. The first one is related to an overproduction of competitive soluble VEGFR-1 that may lead to suppression of VEGF-A and PlGF effects. The second one is the down-regulation of its membrane bound form (VEGFR-1) in the placental bed, which may result in the defective uteroplacental development.
Disciplines :
Endocrinology, metabolism & nutrition
Author, co-author :
Tsatsaris, V. ✱
Goffin, Frédéric ✱; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège - CHU > Gynécologie-Obstétrique CHR
Munaut, Carine ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences cliniques > Labo de biologie des tumeurs et du développement
Brichant, Jean-François ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences cliniques > Anesthésie et réanimation
Pignon, Marie-Rose ; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège - CHU > Gynécologie-Obstétrique CHR
Noël, Agnès ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences biomédicales et précliniques > Biologie cellulaire et moléculaire appliquée à l'homme
Schaaps, Jean-Pierre ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences biomédicales et précliniques > Embryologie
Cabrol, D.
Frankenne, Francis
Foidart, Jean-Michel ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences cliniques > Gynécologie - Obstétrique
✱ These authors have contributed equally to this work.
Language :
English
Title :
Overexpression of the soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor in preeclamptic patients: Pathophysiological consequences
Publication date :
01 November 2003
Journal title :
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
ISSN :
0021-972X
eISSN :
1945-7197
Publisher :
Endocrine Society, Chevy Chase, United States - Maryland
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