Research Projects

Preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder, is one of the leading causes of fetal and maternal death globally. In preeclampsia, the maternal plasma concentration of free vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF) is decreased whereas the concentration of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and of soluble endoglin (sEng) is increased. The three known gasotransmitters, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide are involved in key processes throughout pregnancy. Nitric oxide (NO) acts as vasodilator. This is remarkably decreased in preeclampsia. Excessive embolization of trophoblastic tissue in second stage of preeclampsia can cause rise in cell free fetal DNA (cffDNA) in maternal plasma. Novelty: The maternal mortality associated with the complications of preeclampsia will be prevented by predicting it at its initial stage. Objectives: The study will be carried out to determine whether expression of cffDNA in blood can predict the disease progression and its relation with angiogenic factors. Methods: 110 each in normotensive, mild preeclampsia and severe preeclampsia.subjects will be selected. Maternal venous blood will be collected before delivery and blood from umbilical cord will be collected immediate after delivery. cffDNA in maternal plasma will be extracted. Expressions of NO/ eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase), heme oxygenase, cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE), angiogenic growth factors and its receptor in the placental tissues will be assessed. Expected Outcomes: Nature and extent of relation among cffDNA, NO and angiogenic growth factors and its receptor if established in the preeclamptic placenta, its regulation will help in controlling preeclampsia, and will establish a marker to predict adverse pregnancy outcome.