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Semin Thromb Hemost 2011; 37(2): 146-152
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1270342
© Thieme Medical Publishers

The Functions of Microparticles in Pre-Eclampsia

Joris A.M van der Post1 , Christianne A.R Lok1 , Kees Boer1 , Auguste Sturk2 , Ian L. Sargent3 , Rienk Nieuwland2
  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
  • 2Department of Clinical Chemistry, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
  • 3Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, The Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Publication History

Publication Date:
02 March 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Pre-eclampsia (P-EC), a heterogenic multisystem disorder characterized by hypertension and proteinuria, usually develops in the second half of pregnancy. The incidence is 2 to 5%, and P-EC is therefore a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Although the exact etiology is unknown, placental factors released into the maternal circulation lead to systemic maternal inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Growing evidence indicates that placenta-derived microparticles, best known as syncytiotrophoblast microparticles (STBM), are important among these factors. This review provides an overview of the presence and function(s) of STBM and other cell-derived microparticles and exosomes.

KEYWORDS

Microparticles - pre-eclampsia - syncytiotrophoblast microparticles

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R. NieuwlandPh.D. 

Department of Clinical Chemistry, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9

P.O. Box 22660, 1100 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Email: r.nieuwland@amc.nl

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