Placental biomarkers and angiogenic factors in oral fluids of patients with preeclampsia

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of this study are to explore the feasibility of measuring endothelial and placental biomarkers in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and to determine if patients with preeclampsia (PE) have a different profile of these biomarkers in oral fluids. Method: A case-control study was conducted, including patients with PE (n=10) and a control group with normal pregnancies randomly selected (n=20) admitted at the Sótero del Río Hospital in Santiago, Chile. A complete periodontal and obstetric history that involved the collection of oral fluids was performed at the same gestational age. Levels of Cd63+ extracellular vesicles, placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), placental growth factor (PlGF), and sFlt-1 levels were determined by ELISA assays. Data analysis was performed with chi-square or Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney U-test for continuous variables. The association was assessed using a multiple logistic regression model. Results: sFlt-1 concentrations in saliva and GCF were significantly higher in patients with PE (p=0.045 and p=0.033 respectively). Concentrations of PLAP were elevated in GCF of patients with PE (p=0.049). The PLAP/CD63+ ratio in GCF of patients with PE was significantly higher (p=0.0008). No differences in PlGF levels were observed. Conclusion(s): GCF of patients with PE concentrates higher levels of biomarkers related with the PE development.