Placental expression of angiogenic factors in Trisomy 13

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Jun;204(6):546.e1-4. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2011.02.027. Epub 2011 Apr 20.

Abstract

Objective: Increased levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1) in Trisomy 13 pregnancies are thought to be mediated by the placenta. This study aimed to compare sFlt-1 expression in Trisomy 13 (n = 7) placentas with that in control placentas (Trisomy 21, n = 11, and euploid, n = 6).

Study design: This was a retrospective case-control study analyzing paraffin-embedded placental blocks that were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and antibodies to sFlt-1. Their staining intensity was compared using a semiquantitative technique. The Kruskal-Wallis test and Wilcox rank sum test were used for statistical analysis.

Results: The median staining was significantly higher in Trisomy 13 compared with control specimens (P = .008) (for Trisomy 13 vs Trisomy 21, P = .003, and Trisomy 13 vs euploid, P = .004).

Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that Trisomy 13 placentas express more sFlt-1 than control placentas. These results strengthen the hypothesis that the increased incidence of preeclampsia in Trisomy 13 pregnancies is secondary to placental up-regulation of sFlt-1.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Chromosome Disorders / metabolism*
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 13 / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Placenta / chemistry
  • Placenta / metabolism*
  • Pregnancy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Trisomy
  • Trisomy 13 Syndrome
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 / analysis
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 / metabolism*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1