HIF-1�� REGULATED PATHOMECHANISM OF LOW BIRTH WEIGHT THROUGH ANGIOGENESIS FACTORS IN PLACENTAL Plasmodium vivax INFECTION

This study was conducted cross sectionally in Maumere, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, that previously known as one of malaria endemic area with high incidence of low birth weight (LBW) cases. In this study the peripheral and umbilical blood samples as well as placental tissues were collected from mother delivered their babies with LBW at the TC Hiller Regional Hospital. All of the blood samples were examined for the presence of parasites by microscopic and PCR technique, while the plasma levels of VEGF, PlGF, and VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and HIF 1-�� were determined using ELISA. The sequestration of infected erythrocytes and hemozoin were determined from placental histological slides and the expression of placenta angiogenic factors were observed by immunofluorescent technique.