Conclusion
Discriminating protein patterns were elucidated and may serve as a foundation from which to understand the biologic mechanisms underlying these pregnancy complications.
Results
Three cluster patterns were apparent. Placentas from PE had high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) combined with low levels of acute inflammatory proteins (IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, TNF-α), low IL-1 RA, and high transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). PL and pPROM had higher anti-inflammatory IL-1 RA and thrombomodulin combined with lower VEGF, regardless of proinflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules. Half of the PL and pPROM cases had clusters of heightened inflammatory responses (lower TGF-β clustered with higher intensity of inflammatory mediators).