Platelet aggregation and TGF-beta1 plasma levels in pregnant women with preeclampsia

• Published in: Journal of reproductive immunology 2008-10, Vol.79 (1), p.79-84
• Main Authors: Peraçoli, Maria Terezinha Serrão, Menegon, Fernanda Tereza Ferreira, Borges, Vera Therezinha Medeiros, de Araújo Costa, Roberto Antonio, Thomazini-Santos, Izolete Aparecida, Peraçoli, José Carlos
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Embryology: invertebrates and vertebrates. Teratology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Obstetrics and Gynecology
• ISSN: 0165-0378; 1872-7603
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2008.08.001

Abstract Objectives Platelets and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1 ) are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Our objectives were to determine plasma concentration of TGF-β1 in normotensive and preeclamptic women in the third trimester of pregnancy and to evaluate the correlation of TGF-β1 plasma levels with platelet count and agonist-induced aggregation capacity. Methods Thirty-three women with preeclampsia were compared with 36 healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies. Peripheral venous blood samples were obtained, and TGF-β1 plasma levels measured by an enzyme-linked immunoassay. Platelet aggregation was induced by the agonist agents adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen and epinephrine, and was determined in platelet-rich plasma by aggregometry. Results Plasma concentrations of active TGF-β1 were significantly higher in preeclamptic women (10.41 ± 2.07 ng/mL) compared with normotensive pregnant women (7.01 ± 3.29 ng/mL). Platelet number and platelet agonist-induced aggregation percent were significantly lower in patients with preeclampsia than in healthy pregnant women. A significant correlation was observed between TGF-β1 plasma levels and platelet agonist-induced aggregation percent as between plasma levels of TGF-β1 and platelet number in preeclamptic patients. Conclusion The association between impairment in platelet responsiveness and higher levels of TGF-β1 in the plasma of patients with preeclampsia suggests that this cytokine may play a role in the pathophysiological events of preeclampsia that are dependent on platelet activation.