VEGF and VEGFR1 levels in different regions of the normal and preeclampsia placentae

Abstract

Altered placental angiogenesis is implicated in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. We have earlier reported placental regional differences in oxidative stress markers and neurotrophins. Oxidative stress and neurotrophins are reported to regulate angiogenesis. This study aims to examine protein and mRNA levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1) in four regions [central maternal (CM), central fetal (CF), peripheral maternal (PM), and peripheral fetal (PF)] of the placenta in normotensive control (NC) women (n = 51) and women with preeclampsia (PE) (n = 43) [18 delivered at term (T-PE) and 25 delivered preterm (PT-PE)]. In all groups, CF region reported highest VEGF protein levels compared to all other regions. VEGF mRNA level was higher in CF region as compared to CM region in PE group (p < 0.05). VEGF levels were lower in all regions of PE, T-PE, and PT-PE groups (p < 0.05) as compared to their respective regions in NC group. VEGFR1 levels were lower in CF (p < 0.05) and PF (p < 0.01) regions as compared to CM region only in control. However, VEGFR1 levels were higher in CF (p < 0.05) and PF (p < 0.01) regions of PT-PE group as compared to control. VEGFR1 mRNA level was higher in PM region of PE group and T-PE group (p < 0.05 for both) as compared to control. VEGF levels in the PF region were positively associated with birth weight and placental weight. This study describes placental regional changes in angiogenic factors particularly highlighting increased VEGF in CF region possibly in response to hypoxic conditions prevailing in placenta.

Placental Galectins Are Key Players in Regulating the Maternal Adaptive Immune Response

“…This finding is related to the in vivo vasodilator effect of Gal-13 (181–184). In this context, reduced Gal-13 and Gal-14 expression may play a role in the disturbed vascular changes in preterm preeclampsia (58, 185–194). All our data discussed above support the idea that Gal-13 and Gal-14 also have immunoregulatory and vascular effects, as found for galectin-1 or galectin-3 (195, 196).…”

Increased Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis in the Placental Villi of Women with Chronic Venous Disease during Pregnancy

“…It should be highlighted how all these pathological conditions affect the process of angiogenesis. Placental growth factor (PIGF) has an important role in angiogenesis, as well as in the proper function of the placenta [16,17]. In women with CVD during pregnancy, overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been reported, explaining its role in the disease's pathogenesis [12].…”

Upregulation of VEGF and PEDF in Placentas of Women with Lower Extremity Venous Insufficiency during Pregnancy and Its Implication in Villous Calcification

“…The association of HIF with vascular diseases during pregnancy is well known; numerous studies have clarified its important role in the pathogenesis of diseases such as preeclampsia [10–12]. One of the key points in the regulation of these processes is the angiogenic inducer vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which plays a role in alterations in placental pathology [13]. Recent studies have indicated a decrease in transforming growth factor- β (TGF- β ) in the placenta of women with preeclampsia [14].…”