Evaluation of VEGF, EGF-R AND TGF-α in placenta of pregnancies with preeclampsia by immunohistochemistry

OBJECTIVE: The ai m of the study is to determine VEGF, EGFR and TGF- α with the immunohistochemical staining in placenta biopsies of patients with preeclampsia. Design: Prospective case control study. MATERIALS-METHODS: Biopsies from the placenta were obtained from ten patients with preeclapmsia and ten patients of control group during the cesarean section. Placenta biopsies were examined for VEGF, EGF-R and TGF- α distribution with avidin-biotinperoxidase immunohistochemistry. The staining intensities were graded semi-quantitatively by the two histologists who were blinded to the groups and the H-score was calculated by light microscopic examination. RESULTS: The VEGF, EGFR and TGF- α expression was significantly higher in placenta biopsies of preeclamptic patient compared to controls (271.2±22.65 versus 201.9±12.33, p=0.000; 186.3±4.98 versus 150.3±5.7, p=0.000; 185.1±7.48 versus 169.2±6.19, p=0.000; respectively). Conclusion: Immunos taining of VEGF, EGF-R and TGF- α is signif icantly higher i n plac enta biopsi es in patie nts with preeclampsia