Increased senescence and reduced functional ability of fetal endothelial progenitor cells in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia without intrauterine growth restriction

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the number and functional ability of fetal endothelial progenitor cells in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia without intrauterine growth restriction. Study Design: Fetal endothelial progenitor cells were isolated, and counted from 17 women with preeclampsia without intrauterine growth restricion and 30 normal women. Colony-forming assay and differentiation time assay were performed to detect functional activity of the cells. To assess cellular senescence, senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining was performed for endothelial progenitor cells. Results: Compared with normal pregnancy, the number of endothelial progenitor cells was significantly lower, differentiation time from endothelial progenitor cell into outgrowing cell was longer, and the number of colonies after differentiation was smaller in preeclampsia (P< .001), respectively. The intensity of senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining was higher in preeclamptic pregnancy (P < .001). Conclusion: The number and functional ability of fetal endothelial progenitor cells from preeclampsia without intrauterine growth restriction are significantly decreased and they are more senescent compared with those of normal pregnancy.