Preeclampsia biomarkers in fetal circulation : Oxidative stress, inflammation, homocysteine and angiogenic factors

Abstract

Preeclampsia is complicating 3.7 % of pregnancies, and is defined by hypertension and proteinuria, with signs of endothelial dysfunction, probably caused by placentally derived factors. The fetal consequences of preeclampsia include intrauterine growth restriction and premature delivery. Preeclampsia is associated with increased maternal oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as elevated circulating concentrations of homocysteine and the anti-angiogenic factor sFlt-1 (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1). This study further explores these biomarkers of preeclampsia in the fetal circulation at delivery. <br> Maternal and fetal blood samples were obtained at cesarean section from preeclamptic and normal pregnancies at Ulleval University Hospital. No evidence of increased oxidative stress or inflammation was found in the fetal circulation in infants of preeclamptic mothers as compared to controls. Increased maternal concentration of homocysteine and sFlt-1 in preeclampsia was reflected in the fetal circulation, and both biomarkers are associated with development of endothelial dysfunction.