Association of Angiotensinogen Gene Polymorphisms and Angiogenic Factors with Preeclampsia in Chinese Women

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the association of angiotensinogen (AGT) gene polymorphisms and angiogenic factors with preeclampsia (PE) in Chinese women. Methods: A study on Chinese women was performed. Detection of the M235T polymorphism of AGT gene was carried out by PCR. Using a χ² test, genotype and allele frequencies were compared in all groups. Maternal serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1) at gestation were compared between 92 women with PE and 100 controls by ELISA. Results: Compared to the controls, the AGT homozygous of TT genotype in PE occurred significantly more frequently and the T allele was observed to occur more frequently than the M allele (p < 0.05). sFlt1 was present in high quantities in the serum of women with PE and was associated with low levels of free VEGF and PlGF (p < 0.05). Plasma sFlt1 levels are higher in PE patients with TT heterozygotes compared with MM homozygotes, but PIGF is lower (p < 0.05). Plasma VEGF concentrations showed no significant difference. Conclusions: Our study showed that AGT M235T polymorphism is associated with PE in Chinese women. Furthermore, the gene polymorphism of the components of the renin-angiotensin system may contribute to the concentration alterations of sFlt1, VEGF, and PlGF in maternal serum, which causes disordered vasculogenesis contributing to PE.

Vaginal Lactoferrin Administration before Genetic Amniocentesis Decreases Amniotic Interleukin-6 Levels

“…The mechanism by which the cytokine is able to directly trigger uterine contractions appears to be the activation of the arachidonic acid cascade, with consequent production of prostaglandin E 2 [18,19,20] . As for possible causes other than infection for an increased release of cytokines able to trigger gestational inflammation, it has been shown that genetic proinflammatory cytokine polymorphisms are associated with a higher risk of preterm birth [21,22,23,24] . Whatever the cause, IL-6 elevation cannot be considered to be a benign state [25], suggesting a search for suitable therapies aimed at reducing its concentration, in order to prevent dangerous prostaglandin release.…”

Expression and Clinical Significance of ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter 1 in Serum and Placental Tissue in Chinese Patients with Preeclampsia

“…In many countries, irrespective of the strength of the economy, PE appears to be a predominant factor responsible for the increased morbidity and mortality among pregnant women and their newborns [2,3]. Although a key issue in obstetrics, the etiology and pathogenesis of PE have not yet been fully elucidated, making the prevention and the treatment of this disease difficult [4].…”

Tanshinone II-A Is Protective against Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell Injury after Exposure to Serum from Preeclampsia Patients

“…However, overactivation of the oxidation reaction leads to oxidative stress. Experimental evidence implicates oxidative stress-induced endothelial dysfunction as the major pathology in PE [16,17,18]. For example, activation of the Gadd45/P38 MAPK pathway can cause an increase in oxidative stress, which might lead to PE [19].…”