Placental Growth Factor and Fms Related Tyrosine Kinase-1 are Hypomethylated in Preeclampsia Placentae

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> This study aims to examine the DNA methylation (DNAm) and expression patterns of genes associated with placental angiogenesis in preeclampsia. <b>Materials & methods:</b> DNAm and expression were examined in normotensive (n = 100) and preeclampsia (n = 100) women using pyrosequencing and quantitative real-time PCR respectively. <b>Results:</b> Hypomethylation at several CpGs was observed in <i>PlGF</i> and <i>FLT-1</i> in women with preeclampsia compared to normotensive controls. <i>PlGF</i> expression was lower in women with preeclampsia while <i>FLT-1</i> expression was comparable. DNAm at various CpGs was negatively correlated with expression in both the genes and were associated with maternal blood pressure and birth outcomes. <b>Conclusion:</b> DNAm and expression of angiogenic factors in placentae are differentially regulated in preeclampsia and influence birth outcomes.