Introduction: Hyperuricemia is a common finding in preeclamptic pregnancies and proteinuria, as well as hypertension are markers of preeclampsia. Production of anti-angiogenic proteins seems to be involved in the pathophysiology of hypertension and proteinuria in preeclampsia.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether there is an association between renal function and changes in serum levels of angiogenic factors in preeclamptic patients.
Methods: Serum was obtained from 83 preeclamptic patients in the last trimester of pregnancy for determination of uric acid. Placental growth factor (PlGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and soluble form of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (sVEGFR-1) were evaluated in serum by an enzyme immunoassay. Proteinuria was determined in a 24-h urine collection. The concentration of angiogenic factors was compared with serum uric acid levels (<6mg/dL vs ⩾6mg/dL) and with proteinuria levels (<2g vs ⩾2g). Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric tests with significance level set at 5%.
Results: In 40% of women with preeclampsia serum uric acid levels were ⩾6mg/dL, and proteinuria concentration ⩾2g was detected in 41% of patients. Positive correlation was observed between uric acid and proteinuria levels (r=0.7274; p<0.0001). Serum levels of PIGF were significantly lower in preeclamptic women with serum uric acid level ⩾6mg/dL compared with women with serum uric acid <6mg/dL (median 48.46 vs 117.32pg/mL). Significant difference between proteinuria ⩾2g and <2g was detected in relation to serum levels of PIGF (median 47.58 vs 114.24pg/mL), VEGF (median 25.35 vs 33.74pg/mL) and sVEGFR-1 (median 5386 vs 4605pg/mL).
Conclusion: Elevation in circulating uric acid as well as proteinuria in preeclamptic women is associated with an altered angiogenic balance, suggesting that angiogenic factors may be involved in kidney dysfunction.
Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier B.V.