Investigation of The Placental Levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor B and Selenoprotein P and Their Relation with Birth Weight in Patients with Pre-eclampsia: A Case-Control Study.

Abstract

Background: Pre-eclampsia is a serious medical condition characterised by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage that is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight. Selenoprotein P (SELENOP) and vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B) are antioxidants that can improve the condition of this disease. This study aims to investigate the placental levels of SELENOP and VEGF-B, and their association with birth weight in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia compared to healthy pregnant women.

Materials and methods: This case-control study enrolled 30 pregnant women with pre-eclampsia as the case group and 30 healthy pregnant women as the control group. Demographic information and anthropometric indices were collected and recorded in forms. Placental levels of SELENOP and VEGF-B were assessed by a commercial human kit and based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). P<0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Results: The mean placental level of VEGF-B in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia was lower than the healthy group (P=0.001) as was the mean placental level of SELENOP compared to the healthy group (P=0.048). No significant correlation existed between placental levels of SELENOP (r=0.253, P=0.051) and VEGF-B (r=0.671, P=0.056) with birth weight.

Conclusion: Our findings showed that pregnant women with pre-eclampsia had lower levels of VEGF-B and SELENOP compared to healthy pregnant women. The findings may assist with pre-eclampsia diagnosis, management, and prediction, and benefit mothers and babies.