Angiogenic markers and utero-placental Doppler velocimetry in fetal growth restriction patients

• Grant number: 12/07929-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2012
• End date: July 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Maternal and Child Health
• Principal Investigator: luciano marcondes machado nardozza
• Grantee: Luiz Felipe Lessa Ortiz
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is still an important cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiology of FGR is complex involving several mechanisms, including changes in placental angiogenesis. Imbalances in the balance between mediators pro-and anti-angiogenic endothelial injury may trigger and therefore, the clinical features of the RCF. The secretion of exacerbated anti-angiogenic factors can increase the permeability of blood vessels and inhibit vascular growth. In turn, the reduced production of pro-angiogenic mediators may impair placental angiogenesis and neovascularization. Although there is controversy, the results suggest that the combined analysis of a panel of factors pro-and anti-angiogenic better reflects the degree of vascular compromise than his assessment alone. Pregnant women with FGR have hypoperfused placentas, which can be evaluated by Doppler velocimetry of the uterine arteries. Therefore, in order to clarify the pathophysiology of FGR, we intend to evaluate the relationship between levels of pro-angiogenic factors (TGF-beta, VEGF, ADAM, PP-13, PAPP-A, and adiponectin) and anti-angiogenic (s Eng, Ang-2, sFlt1e) together with the analysis of uteroplacental perfusion by Doppler velocimetry of uterine and umbilical arteries of patients with FGR compared to healthy women in the same gestational age.(AU)