title: Decreased Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs) and increased Natural Killer (NK) cells in peripheral blood as possible early markers of preeclampsia: a case-control analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs) and Natural Killer (NK) cells were recently advocates in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE), since they can be mobilized into the bloodstream and may orchestrate vascular endothelium function. The aim of our study was to evaluate in early pregnancy circulating EPCs and NK cells in peripheral blood in women who later developed PE compared to uncomplicated pregnancies.
  
  
  METHODS
  We prospectively enrolled pregnant women at 9+0-11+6weeks of gestation at the time of first-trimester integrated screening for trisomy 21, who underwent peripheral venous blood (20 mL) sample. We included only women who later developed PE (cases) and women with uncomplicated pregnancy (controls), matched for maternal age, parity, and Body Mass Index. In these groups, we evaluated the levels of CD16+CD45+CD56+NK cells and CD34+CD133+VEGF-R2+EPCs in peripheral blood samples previously stored.
  
  
  RESULTS
  EPCs were significantly lower (p < 0.001), whereas NK cells were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in PE group compared to uncomplicated pregnancies during the first trimester.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The evaluation of EPCs and NK cells in peripheral blood during the first trimester may be considered an effective screening for the early identification of women at risk of developing PE.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Messina, Italy. antlagana@unime.it.
authors.forename: Antonio Simone
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1543-2802
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Laganà
authors.affiliation: Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Domenico
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Giordano
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Saverio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Loddo
authors.affiliation: Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zoccali
authors.affiliation: Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Salvatore Giovanni
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Vitale
authors.affiliation: Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Angelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Santamaria
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Buemi
authors.affiliation: Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Rosario
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: D'Anna
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D066026:Endothelial Progenitor Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000166:cytology*; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers
keywords: Endothelial Progenitor Cells; First trimester; Natural Killer Cells; Peripheral blood; Preeclampsia