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Basic Science

Poster Session 4

(1025) Pigment epithelium derived-factor (PEDF), a potent anti-angiogenic protein, is upregulated in women with preeclampsia

Wednesday, February 14, 2024
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM  
Location: Prince George's Exhibit Hall CDE, Lower Atrium Level
Objective: Maternal endothelial dysfunction due to circulating angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its soluble receptor sFlt-1 are the hallmark of preeclampsia (PE) pathophysiology. Pigment epithelium derived-Factor (PEDF) is a potent anti-angiogenic glycoprotein that negates VEGF activity and elicits sFlt-1 cleavage. Recent studies have unraveled a potential role for PEDF as a regulator of anti-angiogenic processes at the fetoplacental interface.

Our goal was to investigate PEDF expression in placentas of pregnancies complicated by PE compared to controls and in maternal and fetal sera.

Study Design: Maternal sera, cord blood and placentas of women with PE (n=16) and controls (n=18) were obtained following deliveries.

Changes in vascular effectors were quantified by qPCR (mRNAs) and Western blotting (proteins) and serum levels of PEDF, VEGF and sFlt-1 measured by ELISA. Protein expression was determined by immunofluorescence in histological sections using antibodies against PEDF, pan-cytokeratin and CD31.

Results: PEDF is expressed in the placenta by trophoblasts, stromal and endothelial cells. Placental PEDF mRNA (p< 0.0001) and protein level (p=0.01), as well as PEDF serum concentration (p=0.025) were significantly higher in women with PE compared to control. LRP6, a PEDF receptor was also significantly upregulated in PE placentas (p=0.038). Additionally, PEDF concentration was significantly higher in maternal sera compared to their matched cord-blood samples in both normal (p=0.026) and PE pregnancies (p=0.004), representing a differential expression pattern between mothers and their fetuses. Data was evaluated by one-way ANOVA with FDR correction.

Conclusion:

PEDF expression is eminently elevated in placentas and sera of women with PE compared to healthy controls, presenting PEDF as a potential novel biomarker for PE.