Placental stem cell markers in pre-eclampsia

ObjectiveTo investigate the placental CD34, CD44, and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) levels in normotensive and pre-eclamptic women.MethodThe study population consisted of 21 women with pre-eclampsia. Twenty normotensive pregnant women served as controls and were matched to pre-eclamptic patients by gestational age at delivery. Decidual samples obtained from the central part of the placenta were stored at − 70 °C until analysis. CD44 and LIF were quantified in homogenates by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while CD34 was quantified by flow cytometry.ResultsThe pre-eclamptic and normotensive groups were well matched. There were no significant differences in age, parity, weight, and gestational age at birth between the groups (P > 0.05). The mean placental levels of CD34 (6.55 ± 2.48 vs 3.16 ± 1.23), CD44 (385.24 ± 178.85 vs 157.75 ± 31.73, and LIF (140 ± 51.11 vs 96.25 ± 31.62) were significantly higher in pre-eclamptic compared with normotensive women, respectively (P < 0.05).ConclusionHigher levels of CD34, CD44, and LIF were found in the placentas of pre-eclamptic compared with normotensive women.