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Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics 4/2017

01-04-2017 | Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Decreased Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs) and increased Natural Killer (NK) cells in peripheral blood as possible early markers of preeclampsia: a case-control analysis

Authors: Antonio Simone Laganà, Domenico Giordano, Saverio Loddo, Giuseppe Zoccali, Salvatore Giovanni Vitale, Angelo Santamaria, Michele Buemi, Rosario D’Anna

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 4/2017

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Abstract

Purpose

Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs) and Natural Killer (NK) cells were recently advocates in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE), since they can be mobilized into the bloodstream and may orchestrate vascular endothelium function. The aim of our study was to evaluate in early pregnancy circulating EPCs and NK cells in peripheral blood in women who later developed PE compared to uncomplicated pregnancies.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled pregnant women at 9+0–11+6 weeks of gestation at the time of first-trimester integrated screening for trisomy 21, who underwent peripheral venous blood (20 mL) sample. We included only women who later developed PE (cases) and women with uncomplicated pregnancy (controls), matched for maternal age, parity, and Body Mass Index. In these groups, we evaluated the levels of CD16+CD45+CD56+ NK cells and CD34+CD133+VEGF-R2+ EPCs in peripheral blood samples previously stored.

Results

EPCs were significantly lower (p < 0.001), whereas NK cells were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in PE group compared to uncomplicated pregnancies during the first trimester.

Conclusion

The evaluation of EPCs and NK cells in peripheral blood during the first trimester may be considered an effective screening for the early identification of women at risk of developing PE.
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Metadata
Title
Decreased Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs) and increased Natural Killer (NK) cells in peripheral blood as possible early markers of preeclampsia: a case-control analysis
Authors
Antonio Simone Laganà
Domenico Giordano
Saverio Loddo
Giuseppe Zoccali
Salvatore Giovanni Vitale
Angelo Santamaria
Michele Buemi
Rosario D’Anna
Publication date
01-04-2017
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 4/2017
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-017-4296-x

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