RESUMEN
Aim: To investigate the level of vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and soluble adhesion molecules; vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 [sVCAM-1] and lntercellular adhesion molecule-1 [slCAM-1] in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia
Subjects and Methods: Serum levels of VEGF. sVCAM-1. and sICAM-1 were measured in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia at gestational age between 28-40 weeks and these levels were compared with those of normotensive pregnant women using enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay [ELISA]
Results: Serum levels of VEGF and sVCAM-1 were significantly higher in pre-eclamptic pregnant women [p=0.035] and [p=0.04] respectively, when compared with normotensive pregnant women, matched for gestational age. While sICAM-1 level was slightly elevated [p= 0.07] in preeclamptic pregnancy when compared with normotensive one
Conclusion: Being potent regulator of vascular permeability and endothelial cell iunction, VEGF is believed to play an important role in the development of generalized cell dysfunction and increased vascular permeability in preeclampsia. Moreover, sVCAM-1 may be considered as possible marker of endothelial cell activation, which may be of pathophysiologic significance in the mechanism of pre-eclampsia development