Vascular Endothelial Factor Gene Polymorphism in Preeclampsia
Vascular Endothelial Factor Gene Polymorphism in Preeclampsia
In this study, the investigators assessed one of the released protein factors during the
 pathophysiology of preeclampsia. They evaluated vascular endothelial growth factor gene
 mutation which affects the angiogenesis in case of inadequate placentation and its
 association with Doppler changes in the pulsatility index of the umbilical artery.
Preeclampsia is a syndrome characterized by occurrence of hypertension and proteinuria after
 20 weeks of gestation. The pathophysiology of preeclampsia involves abnormalities in the
 development of placental vasculature early in pregnancy may result in relative placental
 under perfusion/hypoxia/ischemia, which then leads to release of factors into the maternal
 circulation that alter maternal endothelial function and cause hypertension and other
 manifestations of disease .Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a signal protein
 produced by cells that stimulates vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. It is part of the system
 that restores the oxygen supply to tissues when blood circulation is inadequate. Human VEGF
 gene is located on chromosome 6 and consists of 8 exons with alternate splicing, forming a
 family of proteins. There are several common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the
 VEGF gene, which could alter gene expression and protein production, and alter the risk of
 developing diseases characterized by deranged angiogenesis including preeclampsia.
Inclusion Criteria:

 More than 20 weeks gestation. Preeclamptic patients

 Exclusion Criteria:

 association with chronic disease (cardiac, hepatic, renal) and if the patient was known to
 have chronic hypertension.

 association with auto-immune disease.