Evaluation of Placental VEGFA mRNA Expression in Preeclampsia: A Case Control Study

The aim of our case–control study was to determine expression of VEGFA mRNA in placentae of preeclamsia (PE) versus uncomplicated pregnancy to further clarify its differential expression in pregnancy hypertensive disorders. The PE group was subdivided into severe and non-severe; those with or without HELLP syndrome and placental VEGFA characteristics were compared for these cohorts. Additionally, the neonatal and maternal outcomes were recorded. The quantification of placental VEGFA was done using quantitative real-time PCR and results were expressed as fold change. Out of 42 PE cases, 23 (55%) were non-severe and 19 cases (45%) were severe PE. Out of 19 severe PE patients, 8 (42%) were HELLP syndrome (complete HELLP) and remaining 11 (58%) were non-HELLP severe PE. Compared to controls, the true fold change in PE, HELLP, non-HELLP, severe PE, non-severe PE was − 2.186, − 13.333, − 6.698, − 8.950 and 1.466, respectively. Our results showed a lowered VEGFA expression in PE placentae compared to uncomplicated controls. The finding of initial increase of VEGFA in non-severe PE and subsequent marked lowering in HELLP strengthens the existing hypothesis of decompensated VEGF being a major role player in PE.