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DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1270342
The Functions of Microparticles in Pre-Eclampsia
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