Endocrine Abstracts

Hyperperhomocysteine has been implicated in vascular changes and oxidative stress contributing to endothelial dysfunction in preeclampsia. Our earlier studies have shown increased oxidative stress leading to reduced docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels in pre-eclamptic women. The present study examines the levels of angiogenic factors (VEGF, PlGF sFlt-1), homocysteine and oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, in 90 normotensive (control) and 137 preeclamptic women (90 women delivering at term (term PE) and 48 women delivering preterm (PT–PE)). Maternal homocysteine and MDA levels were higher (P<0.01 for both) in preeclampsia groups than control. Maternal plasma VEGF levels were lower (P<0.05) in the term-PE group, while it was higher in the PT-PE group (P<0.05) than the control group. In contrast, cord plasma VEGF levels were higher (P<0.05) in preeclampsia groups than the control group. Maternal plasma PlGF levels were lower (P<0.05) in preeclampsia groups as compared to control group. Maternal plasma sFlt-1 levels were higher (P<0.05) in preeclampsia groups than control group. Cord sFlt-1 levels were similar in term-PE and control groups while it was lower in the PT-PE group. sFlt-1:PlGF ratio was increased (P<0.05) in the preeclampsia groups than the control group. Maternal plasma MDA was positively associated with maternal plasma sFlt-1 levels (P<0.05) in the preeclampsia groups. Cord plasma DHA levels were negatively associated with cord plasma sFlt-1 levels (P<0.05 for both) in oth preeclampsia groups. Maternal plasma sFlt-1 levels were negatively associated with birth outcome parameters (baby weight, head circumference and chest circumference) in the term-PE group (P<0.01 for all). This study for the first time suggests that, levels of angiogenic factors may be differentially regulated in mother and cord. Dysregulation of angiogenic factors may be associated with maternal oxidative stress. Increased oxidative stress may reduce cord DHA levels and increase sFlt-1 levels, leading to poor birth outcomes in preeclampsia.

Declaration of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.