The study for expression of VEGF and soluble FLT–1 gene in Korean preeclamptic placenta

Purpose: Despite active researches, the pathophysiology of preeclampsia remains an enigma. Recently, the etiology of preeclampsia has been hypothesized imbalance between VEGF/PIGF and sFLT–1, an antagonist of VEGF. The goal of this study was to compare expression of VEGF and sFLT–1 gene in Korean normal and preeclamptic placenta, and to discuss for their roles of preeclampsia.

Materials and Methods: This study was performed based on 12 normal pregnant women and 10 preeclamptic pregnant women at Eulji University Hospital from March 2003 to February 2004. All women were korean. Placental tissue sampling was done within 10 minutes after delivery. RT-PCR, qRT-PCR and Western blot were done.

Results: The gene expression of sFLT–1 were 4.6 times higher in pregnant women with preeclampsia than in normal pregnant women. Also, protein expression of sFLT–1 were 2.5 times higher. The gene espression of VEGF were significantly decreased in preeclamptic pregnant women than normal pregnant women.

Conclusion: From this study, we know that the gene and protein expression of sFLT–1 were increased, and gene expression of VEGF were decreased in Korean preeclamptic placenta. This result may be important in the development of abnormal placentation and maternal condition of preeclampsia.

VEGF - pathophysiology - preeclampsia - sFLT-1