Endothelial function progressively deteriorates during normal pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: To elucidate changes in endothelial function throughout the gestational period in normal pregnancy and its relationship with plasma soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) levels. Methods: Endothelial function was evaluated by reactive hyperemia index (RHI) using Endo-PAT2000 and plasma sFlt-1 levels were measured simultaneously by ELISA. Results: RHI gradually deteriorated with increasing gestational age. Plasma sFlt-1 levels exhibited a gradual increase at late pregnancy and were inversely correlated with RHI. Conclusion: Maternal endothelial function gradually deteriorates with increasing gestational age and there is an inverse correlation between endothelial function and plasma sFlt-1 levels in normal pregnancy.

• Endothelial function
• peripheral arterial tonometry
• pregnancy
• sFlt-1
• preeclampsia

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Mrs Akiko Abe for secretarial and technical assistance, and deeply appreciate Prof. Minoru Horie, Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science for providing us with the Endo-PAT2000 system.