Complex expression changes of the placental endothelin system in early and late onset preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction and gestational diabetes

AbstractAimsPreeclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are major pregnancy complications affecting maternal and fetal health. The placenta and the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET-1) have a controlling and mediating role in these conditions. This study tested the hypothesis that the expression of ET-1 and its receptors (ETA and ETB) is altered in these pathologies and differs between early (gestational week [GW]≤34) and late (GW>34) third trimester pregnancies.Main methodsThe study included 88 women (GW 28-41) with PE (blood pressure >140/90mmHg, protein >300mg/24hrs; n=14), FGR (