Negative Correlation between Placental Growth Factor and Endocan-1 in Women with Preeclampsia

Abstract

Objective To analyze endocan-1, a biomarker of vascular endothelial related pathologies, and the placental growth factor (PlGF), an angiogenic factor and a placental dysfunction marker in patients with preeclampsia (PE).

Methods Case-control study conducted at Hospital São Lucas, in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. Endocan-1 and PlGF levels were quantified in the maternal plasma using the MagPlexTH-C microsphere system (MAGPIX System, Luminex, Austin, Texas, US) and evaluated through analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and adjusted by body mass index (BMI), gestational age and maternal age. To estimate the difference between the groups, the mean ratio (MR) and the 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated. The Pearson correlation test was used to establish any association between endocan-1 and PlGF levels. The null hypothesis was rejected when p < 0.05.

Results The group of patients was composed by normotensive (n = 67) patients and patients with PE (n = 50). A negative correlation between endocan-1 and the PlGF was noted in the entire normotensive group (linear correlation coefficient [r] = −0.605; p < 0.001), as well as in the PE group (r = −0.545; p < 0.001).

Conclusion Endocan-1 levels are increased in patients with PE, and are inversely correlated with PlGF levels. We suggest that it is important to analyze angiogenic and proinflammatory molecules concomitantly in women with PE to better understand the pathophysiology of the disease. Both molecules are strong candidates for PE biomarkers, and future studies will examine any mechanisms connecting these factors in PE.

Resumo

Objetivo Analisar o endocan-1, um biomarcador de patologias vasculares endoteliais, e o fator de crescimento placentário (FCPl), um fator angiogênico, marcador de disfunção placentária em pacientes com pré-eclâmpsia (PE).

Métodos Estudo de caso-controle realizado no Hospital São Lucas, em Porto Alegre. Os níveis de endocan-1 e FCPl foram quantificados no plasma materno usando o sistema de microesferas MagPlexTH-C (MAGPIX System, Luminex, Austin, Texas, US) e analisados por análise de covariância (ANCOVA) e ajustados por índice de massa corporal (IMC), idade gestacional e idade materna. Para calcular a diferença entre os grupos, utilizou-se a razão das médias (RM) e o intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%). O teste de correlação de Pearson foi utilizado para estabelecer a associação entre os níveis de endocan-1 e FCPl. A hipótese nula foi rejeitada quando p < 0,05.

Resultados O grupo de pacientes foi composto por pacientes normotensas (n = 67) e pacientes com PE (n = 50). Uma correlação negativa entre o endocan-1 e o FCPl foi observada em todo o grupo de pacientes normotensas (coeficiente de correlação linear [r] = −0,605; p < 0,001), bem como no grupo com PE (r = −0,545; p < 0,001).

Conclusão Os níveis de endocan-1 estão aumentados em pacientes com PE e inversamente correlacionados com os níveis de FCPl. Sugerimos a importância de analisar moléculas angiogênicas e pró-inflamatórias concomitantemente em mulheres com PE para compreender melhor a fisiopatologia da doença. Ambas as moléculas são fortes candidatos a serem considerados biomarcadores de PE, e trabalhos futuros poderão avaliar quaisquer mecanismos que liguem esses fatores na PE.

Keywords

pregnancy-induced hypertension - preeclampsia - endothelial function - biomarkers - cytokines

Palavras-chave

hipertensão induzida pela gravidez - pré-eclâmpsia - função endotelial - biomarcadores - citocinas

Contributions

Marta Ribeiro Hentschke: substantial contributions to conception and design, data collection and analysis, and interpretation of data. Edson Vieira Cunha Filho: interpretation of data; critical review of the intellectual content; final approval of the version to be published. Matias Costa Vieira: interpretation of data; critical review of the intellectual content; final approval of the version to be published. Letícia Germany Paula: interpretation of data; critical review of the intellectual content. Hiten Mistry: substantial contributions to conception and design and interpretation of data; critical review of the intellectual content; final approval of the version to be published. Bartira Ercília Pinheiro da Costa: substantial contributions to conception and design, data collection and analysis, and interpretation of data; writing of the article or critical review of the intellectual content; and final approval of the version to be published. Carlos E. Poli-de-Figueiredo: substantial contributions to conception and design, data analysis, and interpretation of data; writing of the article or critical review of the intellectual content; final approval of the version to be published.

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