Endothelial microparticles and the antiangiogenic state in preeclampsia and the postpartum period

Abstract

Objective: We sought to determine if endothelial microparticles (EMPs), markers of endothelial damage, are associated with soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1), soluble endoglin, and placental growth factor (PlGF) in women with preeclampsia.

Study design: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 20 preeclamptic women and 20 controls. EMPs by flow cytometry, sFlt1, soluble endoglin, and PlGF were measured at time of enrollment, 48-hours postpartum, and 1-week postpartum.

Results: Preeclamptic CD31(+)/42(-), CD62E(+), and CD105(+) EMP levels were significantly elevated in preeclamptics vs controls at time of enrollment. The sFlt1:PlGF ratio was correlated with CD31(+)/42(-) and CD105(+) EMPs (r = 0.69 and r = 0.51, respectively) in preeclampsia. Levels of CD31(+)/42(-) EMPs remained elevated 1-week postpartum (P = .026).

Conclusion: EMPs are elevated in preeclampsia. The correlation of EMPs and the sFlt1:PlGF ratio suggests that antiangiogenesis is related to apoptosis of the endothelia. Endothelial damage persists 1 week after delivery.

Copyright © 2012 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Figures

Figure 1

EMPs are elevated in preeclampsia.

Figure 2

sFlt1, sEnd, and the sFlt1:PlGF ratio are elevated in women with preeclampsia.

Figure 3

The sFlt1:PlGF ratio is directly related to the levels of EMPs associated with apoptosis in women with preeclampsia.

Figure 4

The levels of CD 31+/41− EMPs remained significantly higher at 1 week postpartum in women with preeclampsia.

Figure 5

sFlt and sEnd decrease in the immediate postpartum period, with similar levels between the preeclamptic and control groups at 1week postpartum.