title: Neurotrophin levels in different regions of the placenta and their association with birth outcome and blood pressure.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Our recent study in preeclampsia indicates differential oxidative stress in various regions of the placenta. Oxidative stress is known to influence neurotrophin levels. We therefore hypothesize that placental regional differences in oxidative stress will also lead to differences in neurotrophin levels.
  
  
  METHODS
  The current study examines the levels of neurotrophins, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in different regions of the placenta in 50 normotensive control women and 47 women with preeclampsia (21 delivering at term and 26 delivering preterm). Placentae were collected from four different regions: central maternal (CM), central fetal (CF), peripheral maternal (PM) and peripheral fetal (PF).
  
  
  RESULTS
  BDNF levels were higher in CF region as compared to CM (p < 0.01), PM (p < 0.01) and PF (p < 0.05) regions of the placenta in the control group. There was no regional change in NGF levels in any of the groups. Analysis between groups indicated higher NGF levels in CM (p < 0.01), PM (p < 0.05) and PF (p < 0.01) regions of preterm preeclampsia group as compared to control. Negative association of NGF levels in CM, CF and PM regions with baby weight and in CF, PM and PF regions with baby length was observed. NGF levels in all four regions were positively associated with systolic blood pressure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our data indicates regional differences in levels of BDNF only in normotensive control but not in preeclampsia group. Higher NGF levels in preterm preeclampsia may be a response to increased oxidative stress. This may have implications for altered placental development in preeclampsia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutritional Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune 411043, India.
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Sahay
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutritional Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune 411043, India.
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Sundrani
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bharati Medical College and Hospital, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India.
authors.forename: G N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Wagh
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bharati Medical College and Hospital, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India.
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Mehendale
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutritional Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune 411043, India. Electronic address: srjoshi62@gmail.com.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Joshi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology; D010920:Placenta / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor
keywords: Blood pressure; Neurotrophins; Oxidative stress; Placenta; Preeclampsia