Expression of Angiogenesis-Related Genes in the Cellular Component of the Blood of Preeclamptic Women

The purpose of this study is to assess the changes in the expression of angiogenesis-related genes in the cellular component of the blood from preeclamptic patients. Blood samples were obtained from the preeclampsia (PE) and control participants. Cellular RNA was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify any angiogenesis-related genes and thereby assess the mRNA expression among women with PE and controls during weeks 35 to 41 of gestation. Significant differences were observed between PE and controls in all of the angiogenesis-related genes examined. In PE, for the increased expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), endoglin and fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (Flt-1); and the reduced expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PlGF). fms-Like tyrosine kinase-1 and endoglin significantly correlated with the systolic pressure, while VEGF, Flt-1, and endoglin all correlated with proteinuria. An altered expression of angiogenesis-related genes was demonstrated in the cellular component of blood from preeclamptic patients. These findings indicate that this approach may offer an alternative way for evaluating the pathogenesis of PE.