Circulating Soluble Endoglin Levels in Pregnant Women in Cameroon and Malawi
Author Information
Author(s): Karlee L. Silver, Andrea L. Conroy, Rose G. F. Leke, Robert J. I. Leke, Philomina Gwanmesia, Malcolm E. Molyneux, Diane Taylor Wallace, Stephen J. Rogerson, Kevin C. Kain
Primary Institution: University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Hypothesis
Soluble endoglin (sEng) may play a role in the development of low birth weight (LBW) associated with placental malaria (PM).
Conclusion
Increased circulating maternal sEng levels are associated with P. falciparum infection in pregnancy and with fetal growth restriction in primigravidae with PM.
Supporting Evidence
- 54% of women in the Cameroon study experienced at least one malaria infection during pregnancy.
- Maternal sEng levels were significantly higher in early and late gestation compared to delivery.
- Primigravidae had higher sEng levels than multigravidae, regardless of malaria infection status.
- Peripheral parasitemia was associated with elevated sEng levels in both study populations.
- Increased sEng was linked to the delivery of LBW infants in primigravid women.
Takeaway
This study found that higher levels of a protein called soluble endoglin in pregnant women are linked to malaria infections and smaller babies.
Methodology
The study measured plasma levels of sEng in pregnant women in Cameroon and Malawi, analyzing associations with malaria infection and birth outcomes.
Potential Biases
Potential confounding factors such as HIV status were not controlled for in the analysis.
Limitations
The study did not measure TGF-β levels, which could provide additional insights into the mechanisms involved.
Participant Demographics
The study included pregnant women from Cameroon (n=52) and Malawi (n=479), with varying gravidity and malaria infection status.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.006
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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