Expression and Significance of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Its Receptor Fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase-1 in Placenta for Patients With Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy

Objective To investigate the expression and significance of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and its receptor fms-like tyrosine kinase-1(Flt-1) in placenta for patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy(ICP) .Methods From June 2009 to May 2010,30 ICP patients(ICP group) and 30 normal third trimester pregnant women(control group) were included in the study.There had no significant differences in age,gestational age,gravidity,parity and modes of delivery between two groups(P0.05) .The expressions of VEGF and Flt-1 in placentas were detected by immunohistochemistry.The study protocol was approved by the Ethical Review Board of Investigation in Human Being of Wuxi Hospital for Maternal and Child Health Care.Informed consent was obtained from all participants.Results The distribution of VEGF and Flt-1 in placenta were found in villous trophoblast,placental blood vessels,and villous stroma in both groups.The expression levels of VEGF and Flt-1 in placenta in ICP group were significantly lower than those in control group(P0.01) .Conclusion The significant decrease of expression levels of VEGF and Flt-1 might be related to inadequate blood vessel formation and the abnormal invasions of trophoblast and might play an important role in the pathogenic mechanism of ICP.