Differential expression of growth-, angiogenesis- and invasion-related factors in the development of placenta accreta.

Abstract

Placenta accreta is the major cause of maternal death complicated by massive peripartum hemorrhage. Its development is traditionally considered to be related to a decidual defect caused by previous cesarean deliveries or uterine curettages. Usually, placental villi firmly adhere to the superficial myometrium and deeply invade, or even penetrate, the uterine wall. Abnormal uteroplacental neovascularization is another characteristic. Therefore, we hypothesized that placenta accreta develops as a result of abnormal expressions of growth-, angiogenesis- and invasion-related factors in trophoblast populations. We have found, in pregnancies complicated by placenta accreta: upregulated epidermal growth factor receptor and downregulated c-erbB-2 oncoprotein in syncytiotrophoblasts; downregulated vasculoendothelial growth factor receptor-2 expression in syncytiotrophoblasts and increased vasculoendothelial growth factor in placental lysates; and downregulated Tie-2 expression in syncytiotrophoblasts and enhanced angiopoietin-2 level in placental lysates. However, matrix metalloproteinase expression was not upregulated, so the association of these invasion-related molecules with placenta accreta is less likely. Taken together, these findings imply that complex factors, either alone or in combination, might be responsible for the development of placenta accreta. Further studies are needed to understand the signaling pathways and possible genetic events.

• Authors: Jenn-Jhy Tseng, Min-Min Chou
• Journal: Taiwanese journal of obstetrics & gynecology (Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol) Vol. 45 Issue 2 Pg. 100-6 (Jun 2006) ISSN: 1875-6263 [Electronic] China (Republic : 1949- )
• PMID: 17197348 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Angiogenesis Inducing Agents
• Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins

Topics

• Angiogenesis Inducing Agents (metabolism)
• Decidua
• Female
• Humans
• Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins (metabolism)
• Placenta Accreta (etiology)
• Placenta Diseases (metabolism)
• Pregnancy