Abstrakt
Purpose of investigation: The aim of this study was to compare levels of selected angiogenesis-related proteins in intrauterine growth restriction (IIIGR)-compromised and normal placentas at term.,Materials and Methods: Stromatal tissue of placental villi of gestationally matched MGR patients and controls (both groups of n=32, gestational age between 3910 and 4016 gtt) was separated by microdissection. After separation, placental tissue was homogenised on ice (2'10 min, 2,000 rpm) and centrifuged (2'5 min, 5,000 rpm).
Proteins of supernatant were fractionated by 8% or 10% SDS-PAGE and Tie-1, Tie-2, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and MMP-2 levels were measured by Western blot using appropriate primary and secondary antibodies. Results: In the IUGR group, compared to the control group, there was a significantly lower level of Tie-1 (67.1% of controls, p < 0.001), VEGFR-1 (72.4% of controls, p < 0.001), VEGFR-2 (68.5% of controls, p = 0.001), and a significantly higher level of Tie-2 (119% of controls, p = 0.023).
MMP-2 was increased in the IUGR group (127% of controls, p <0.001). Conclusions: Placental levels of Tie-1, Tie-2, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2 are altered in pregnancies complicated by IUGR.
Compared with that in normal pregnancies, the level of MMP-2 was upregulated. The present authors speculate that the results of this study represent the angiogenic imbalance observed in MGR pregnancies; thereby resulting in poor and disturbed angiogenesis underlying delayed development of the fetus.