Gene expression in chorionic villous samples at 11 weeks of gestation in women who develop preeclampsia later in pregnancy: implications for screening

Abstract Objectives To determine the gene expression profile in chorionic villous samples (CVS) of women destined to develop preeclampsia. Method cDNA microarray technology was employed. Ten singleton fetuses of women who subsequently developed preeclampsia where compared with a pool of 50 controls. The mRNA expression of some of the genes previously found to be up‐ or down‐regulated were validated by RT‐PCR in peripheral blood from 23 pregnant women at term affected with preeclampsia and 23 controls. Results Altered expression was found among several genes including those involved in invasion of human trophoblasts (Titin), in inflammatory stress (Lactotransferrin), endothelial aberration (Claudin 6), angiogenesis (Vasohibin 1), blood pressure control (Adducin 1). Also the peripheral blood from preeclampsia patients showed significant differences for all the genes studied. Conclusion CVS show an aberrant gene profile prior to preeclampsia onset that may be predictive of the disease. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.