The pattern of changes in angiogenetic markers in gestosis

The expression of angiogenic factors [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A), its soluble receptor (sFlt-1), and placental growth factor (PlGF)] was studied in varying gestosis. One hundred and forty-seven women at 32-40 weeks gestational age were examined. Group 1 comprised 45 (30.6%) pregnant women with mild gestosis. Group 2 consisted of 18 (12.2%) patients with moderate gestosis. Group 3 included 11 (7.5%) patients with severe gestosis. Seventy-three (49.7%) patients with physiological pregnancy and habitual labor made up a control group. Routine clinical studies, involving the determination of the mean blood pressure (BPmean), the measurement of urinary protein levels with the colorimetric technique using pyrogallic red, immunoassay with the determination of plasma concentrations of VEGF-A, sFlt-1, and PlGF were conducted. The obtained data were statistically processed by analysis of variance with Students test, by calculating the error probability.
It was ascertained that the third trimester of uncomplicated pregnancy was characterized by reduced PlGF concentrations and elevated sFlt-1 levels; the content of VEGF-A significantly unchanged. In proportion to progressive gestosis, there was a reduction in the concentration of VEGF-A and PlGF and an increase in the levels of sFlt-1. The changes in the concentrations of sFlt-1 and PlGF were associated with elevated BPmean, the degree of proteinuria and edemas in gestosis. The detected changes in the study factors of angiogenesis are related to the major clinical manifestations of gestosis and reflect the severity of its course.

gestosis, angiogenesis, growth factors, antiangiogenic factors