Platelet aggregation and TGF-beta(1) plasma levels in pregnant women with preeclampsia.
OBJECTIVE
Platelets and transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Our objectives were to determine plasma concentration of TGF-beta(1) in normotensive and preeclamptic women in the third trimester of pregnancy and to evaluate the correlation of TGF-beta(1) 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-beta(1) 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-beta(1) were significantly higher in preeclamptic women (10.41+/-2.07ng/mL) compared with normotensive pregnant women (7.01+/-3.29ng/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-beta(1) plasma levels and platelet agonist-induced aggregation percent as between plasma levels of TGF-beta(1) and platelet number in preeclamptic patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The association between impairment in platelet responsiveness and higher levels of TGF-beta(1) 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.
Peraçoli
Maria Terezinha Serrão
MT
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University, 18618-970, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. peracoli@ibb.unesp.br
Menegon
Fernanda Tereza Ferreira
FT
Borges
Vera Therezinha Medeiros
VT
de Araújo Costa
Roberto Antonio
RA
Thomazini-Santos
Izolete Aparecida
IA
Peraçoli
José Carlos
JC
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010974:Platelet Aggregation; D010976:Platelet Count; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000097:blood* / Q000209:etiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / Q000097:blood* / Q000502:physiology
D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1