Maternal and cord blood plasma sEng and TGF-β1 in patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: A pilot study in a South Indian population

Introduction: Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP) are one of the most widespread complications of pregnancy that affects both mother and foetus. It has been observed that in Preeclampsia, the release of soluble angiogenic factors from the ischemic placenta into maternal plasma plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis. Aim: To assess the plasma Soluble Endoglin (sEng) and Transforming Growth Factor (TGF-β1) levels in various types of HDP and to correlate the levels of these markers with the pregnancy outcome. Materials and Methods: A total of 128 pregnant women were recruited and the study was carried out for a period of three years. Cord blood and maternal blood plasma levels of sEng and TGF-β1 were analysed by ELISA kits in Control Pregnant Women (CPW), Gestational Hypertension (GH), Early Onset Preeclampsia (EOPE), Late Onset Preeclampsia (LOPE), and Eclampsia (E) during third trimester. The Gestational Age (GA) at the time of delivery and Birth Weight (BW) of the baby also were also evaluated. Results: The circulating levels of maternal and cord blood sEng were significantly higher in EOPE and E compared to CPW and GH. However, the maternal and cord blood levels of TGF-β1 were significantly lower in LOPE and E when compared to CPW and GH. The GA and BW of the baby were found to be significantly lower in EOPE and E compared to CPW, GH and LOPE. Also, a negative correlation was observed between sEng levels with pregnancy outcome; GA and BW. And also, a positive correlation was found between TGF-β1 and pregnancy outcome. Conclusion: A generalised angiogenic imbalance and poor birth outcomes were observed in HDP. There is a spectrum of biochemical derangements related to angiogenesis in GH, EOPE, LOPE and E.