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Decreased expression of pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF), an inhibitor of angiogenesis, in placentas of unexplained stillbirths. Reprod Biol 2008 Jul;8(2):107-20

Date

08/05/2008

Pubmed ID

18677399

DOI

10.1016/s1642-431x(12)60007-2

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-54449100925 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   12 Citations

Abstract

Normal placental vascular development depends upon the complex interactions between angiogenic inducers and inhibitors within the placenta. Alterations within the placental microenvironment can promote an imbalance in angiogenic mediators which may be associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the placentas of infants with unexplained stillbirth as compared to live-born infants and to determine whether alterations in angiogenic inducer vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or inhibitor pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) are associated with altered angiogenesis, vascular remodeling and stillbirth. Placentas of 22 unexplained stillbirths and 44 age-matched live-born controls were scored for microvascular density (MVD), vasculopathy and microvascular permeability. A subset was scored for expression of angiogenic inducer VEGF and inhibitor pigment epithelium-derived factor. Stillborn placentas demonstrated higher MVD than controls (mean+SD: 116.6+/-46.3 v. 60.8+/-13.5, respectively, p<0.001). Vasculopathy was present in 10/22 (45%) stillbirths compared to 0/44 (0%) controls (p<0.001); increased vascular permeability was present in 15/22 (68%) cases and 5/44 (11%) controls (p<0.001). PEDF expression was significantly lower in stillborn placentas (1.7+/-0.3) than live-born controls (3.6+/-0.8, p<0.01) while VEGF expression was similar (3.3+/-0.7 v. 3.7+/-0.4, respectively, p>0.05). In conclusion, we found that unexplained stillbirth is associated with loss of angiogenic inhibitor PEDF, vasculopathy and heightened angiogenesis in the placenta.

Author List

Plunkett BA, Fitchev P, Doll JA, Gerber SE, Cornwell M, Greenstein EP, Crawford SE

Author

Jennifer A. Doll PhD Assistant Professor in the Biomedical Sciences department at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Angiogenesis Inhibitors
Eye Proteins
Female
Gestational Age
Humans
Nerve Growth Factors
Placenta
Pregnancy
Serpins
Stillbirth