Pre-eclampsia affects 5% of pregnant women, usually during the second half of pregnancy (from around 20 weeks) or soon after their baby is delivered. It is associated with significant problems in the mother and the baby. Our research examines the molecular mechanisms of pre-eclampsia and explores if we can predict and prevent this disease.
WHAT WE DO
Molecular mechanisms of Pre-eclampsia:
Our basic science work focuses on how extracellular vesicles released from the placenta into the maternal circulation cause this syndrome. The vesicles represent a novel form of feto-maternal cell signaling and the characterization of these nano‐sized vesicles required new technologies to be adopted, in particular the pioneering use of Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis, in partnership with Nanosight Ltd. To progress the science, the Department initiated the Oxford Extracellular Vesicle Interest Group. We are also examining the biology of placental pericytes in collaboration with Professor Alistair Buchan, Dr Yvonne Couch (Nuffield Department of Medicine) and Dr. Brad Sutherland (University of Tasmania).
Prediction and prevention of Pre-eclampsia:
Our clinical research has a particular emphasis on placental biomarkers and their ability to predict pre-eclampsia and its adverse outcomes. Two markers, Placental Like Growth Factor (PlGF) and soluble FMS-like Tyrosine Kinase 1 (sFlt-1) have been characterized in pre-eclampsia using platforms from Alere and Roche Diagnostics. Further studies using these markers in clinical practice are underway. We are also looking into other candidate molecules derived from mass spectrometry and deep sequencing of placentas and extracellular vesicles.
Global Pregnancy Collaboration (CoLab)
We are members of the Global Pregnancy Collaboration (Professor Redman being aFounding Member). The goals of CoLab are three-fold. The overarching goal is to improve the health of women and their infants by facilitating research addressing adverse pregnancy outcomes. This would be accomplished by 1) facilitating access to data and biological samples for investigators worldwide, 2) by using the intellectual, data, and biological resources of the CoLab to perform large studies that could not be accomplished by any single centre, and 3) working to establish data and biological sample resources in developing countries.
Our team
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Manu Vatish
Chief Investigator of INGR1D Study & Senior Clinical Fellow in Obstetrics
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Chris Redman
Emeritus Professor of Obstetric Medicine
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A. Sofia Cerdeira
NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer
Selected publications
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Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review to Assess the Role of Soluble FMS-Like Tyrosine Kinase-1 and Placenta Growth Factor Ratio in Prediction of Preeclampsia: The SaPPPhirE Study.
Journal article
Agrawal S. et al, (2018), Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979), 71, 306 - 316
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Angiogenic factors: potential to change clinical practice in pre-eclampsia?
Journal article
Cerdeira AS. et al, (2017), BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
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Placental Vesicles Carry Active Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase and Their Activity is Reduced in Preeclampsia.
Journal article
Motta-Mejia C. et al, (2017), Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979), 70, 372 - 381
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Placental Growth Factor as a Prognostic Tool in Women With Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Systematic Review.
Journal article
Ukah UV. et al, (2017), Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979), 70, 1228 - 1237
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Re: Screening for pre-eclampsia using sFlt-1/PlGF ratio cut-off of 38 at 30-37 weeks' gestation.
Journal article
Vatish M. et al, (2017), Ultrasound in obstetrics & gynecology : the official journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 49, 665 - 666
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Impact of haemostatic mechanisms on pathophysiology of preeclampsia.
Journal article
Gardiner C. and Vatish M., (2017), Thromb Res, 151 Suppl 1, S48 - S52
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Soluble fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase-1-to-Placental Growth Factor Ratio and Time to Delivery in Women With Suspected Preeclampsia.
Journal article
Zeisler H. et al, (2016), Obstetrics and gynecology, 128, 261 - 269
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sFlt-1/PlGF ratio test for pre-eclampsia: an economic assessment for the UK.
Journal article
Vatish M. et al, (2016), Ultrasound in obstetrics & gynecology : the official journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 48, 765 - 771
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Predictive Value of the sFlt-1:PlGF Ratio in Women with Suspected Preeclampsia
Journal article
Zeisler H. et al, (2016), Obstetrical and Gynecological Survey, 71, 273 - 274
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Implementation of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio for prediction and diagnosis of pre-eclampsia in singleton pregnancy: implications for clinical practice.
Journal article
Stepan H. et al, (2015), Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol, 45, 241 - 246
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Upregulation of urotensin II receptor in preeclampsia causes in vitro placental release of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 in hypoxia.
Journal article
Gould PS. et al, (2010), Hypertension, 56, 172 - 178
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Effect of selenium on markers of risk of pre-eclampsia in UK pregnant women: A randomised, controlled pilot trial
Journal article
Rayman MP. et al, (2014), British Journal of Nutrition, 112, 99 - 111
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IFPA Senior Award Lecture: making sense of pre-eclampsia - two placental causes of preeclampsia?
Journal article
Redman CW. et al, (2014), Placenta, 35 Suppl, S20 - S25
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Investigation of the actin scavenging system in pre-eclampsia.
Conference paper
Tannetta DS. et al, (2014), Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol, 172, 32 - 35
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Pre-eclampsia is associated with, and preceded by, hypertriglyceridaemia: a meta-analysis.
Journal article
Gallos ID. et al, (2013), BJOG, 120, 1321 - 1332
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Plasma placental growth factor (PIGF) in the diagnosis of women with pre-eclampsia requiring delivery within 14 days: the PELICAN study
Conference paper
Chappell L. et al, (2013), AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY, 208, S269 - S270
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Characterisation of syncytiotrophoblast vesicles in normal pregnancy and pre-eclampsia: expression of Flt-1 and endoglin.
Journal article
Tannetta DS. et al, (2013), PLoS One, 8
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Measurement of sST2 is comparable to PlGF in the diagnosis of early-onset pre-eclampsia.
Journal article
Southcombe JH. et al, (2013), Pregnancy Hypertens, 3, 115 - 117
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THE DANGEROUS PLACENTA AND PRE-ECLAMPSIA, A REVIEW
Conference paper
Redman C. et al, (2012), PLACENTA, 33, A12 - A12
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Are most maternal deaths from pre-eclampsia avoidable?
Journal article
Shennan AH. et al, (2012), Lancet, 379, 1686 - 1687
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SOLUBLE ST2 AND IL-33 IN PREGNANCY AND PRE-ECLAMPSIA
Conference paper
Southcombe J. et al, (2011), PLACENTA, 32, A119 - A119
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DOES SIZE REALLY MATTER? - PLACENTAL DEBRIS, DANGER MOLECULES AND PRE-ECLAMPSIA
Conference paper
Sargent I. and Redman C., (2011), PLACENTA, 32, A12 - A12
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The origins and end-organ consequence of pre-eclampsia.
Journal article
Eastabrook G. et al, (2011), Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol, 25, 435 - 447
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IL-33 and ST2 in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia
Journal article
Granne I. et al, (2011), BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, 118, 1011 - 1011
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Analysis of urinary nanovesicles in normal pregnancy and pre-eclampsia
Journal article
Brooks AS. et al, (2011), BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, 118, 1009 - 1009
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Increased levels of tissue factor activity on syncytiotrophoblast microvesicles released into the maternal circulation during pre-eclampsia
Journal article
Gardiner C. et al, (2011), JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, 9, 169 - 169
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Early prediction and prevention of pre-eclampsia.
Journal article
Leslie K. et al, (2011), Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol, 25, 343 - 354
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The functions of microparticles in pre-eclampsia.
Journal article
van der Post JAM. et al, (2011), Semin Thromb Hemost, 37, 146 - 152
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Pregenesys pre-eclampsia markers consensus meeting: What do we require from markers, risk assessment and model systems to tailor preventive strategies?
Journal article
Cetin I. et al, (2011), Placenta, 32 Suppl, S4 - 16
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Pre-eclampsia: Definitions, paternal contributions and a four stage model.
Journal article
Redman CW., (2011), Pregnancy Hypertens, 1, 2 - 5
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Are most maternal deaths from pre-eclampsia avoidable?
Journal article
Shennan AH. et al, (2011), The Lancet
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ST2 and IL-33 in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia.
Journal article
Granne I. et al, (2011), PLoS One, 6
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Syncytiotrophoblast microvesicles released from pre-eclampsia placentae exhibit increased tissue factor activity.
Journal article
Gardiner C. et al, (2011), PLoS One, 6
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Placental microvesicles and exosomes and systemic inflammation in pre-eclampsia
Conference paper
Sargent IL., (2010), JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, 86, 21 - 22
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Immunology of pre-eclampsia.
Journal article
Redman CWG. and Sargent IL., (2010), Am J Reprod Immunol, 63, 534 - 543
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Guidelines: Assessing the onset of pre-eclampsia in the hospital day unit: Summary of the pre-eclampsia guideline (PRECOG II)
Journal article
Milne F. et al, (2009), BMJ (Online), 339, 626 - 628
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World Health Organisation multicentre randomised trial of supplementation with vitamins C and E among pregnant women at high risk for pre-eclampsia in populations of low nutritional status from developing countries.
Journal article
Villar J. et al, (2009), BJOG, 116, 780 - 788
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Placental stress and pre-eclampsia: a revised view.
Journal article
Redman CWG. and Sargent IL., (2009), Placenta, 30 Suppl A, S38 - S42
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Maternal circulating levels of activin A, inhibin A, sFlt-1 and endoglin at parturition in normal pregnancy and pre-eclampsia
Journal article
Reddy A. et al, (2009), PLoS ONE, 4
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Assessing the onset of pre-eclampsia in the hospital day unit: summary of the pre-eclampsia guideline (PRECOG II).
Journal article
Milne F. et al, (2009), BMJ, 339
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Maternal circulating levels of activin A, inhibin A, sFlt-1 and endoglin at parturition in normal pregnancy and pre-eclampsia.
Journal article
Reddy A. et al, (2009), PLoS One, 4
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The effect of labour and placental separation on the shedding of syncytiotrophoblast microparticles, cell-free DNA and mRNA in normal pregnancy and pre-eclampsia.
Journal article
Reddy A. et al, (2008), Placenta, 29, 942 - 949
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Predicting and preventing pre-eclampsia-where to next?
Journal article
Papageorghiou AT., (2008), Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol, 31, 367 - 370
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Circulating microparticles in normal pregnancy and pre-eclampsia.
Journal article
Redman CWG. and Sargent IL., (2008), Placenta, 29 Suppl A, S73 - S77
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Microparticles and immunomodulation in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia.
Journal article
Redman CWG. and Sargent IL., (2007), J Reprod Immunol, 76, 61 - 67
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NK cells and pre-eclampsia.
Journal article
Sargent IL. et al, (2007), J Reprod Immunol, 76, 40 - 44
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Atypical case of pre-eclampsia found to have recurrent metastatic urachal adenocarcinoma of both ovaries at caesarean section
Poster
Ohadike None. and El-Gobashy A., (2007)
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The Magpie Trial: a randomised trial comparing magnesium sulphate with placebo for pre-eclampsia. Outcome for women at 2 years.
Journal article
Magpie Trial Follow-Up Study Collaborative Group None., (2007), BJOG, 114, 300 - 309
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The placenta in pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction: studies on exchange surface areas, diffusion distances and villous membrane diffusive conductances.
Journal article
Mayhew TM. et al, (2007), Placenta, 28, 233 - 238
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Immunoregulation in normal pregnancy and pre-eclampsia: an overview.
Journal article
Sargent IL. et al, (2007), Reprod Biomed Online, 14 Spec No 1, 111 - 117
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Inflammation and pre-eclampsia.
Journal article
Borzychowski AM. et al, (2006), Semin Fetal Neonatal Med, 11, 309 - 316
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Prediction of pre-eclampsia by uterine artery Doppler ultrasonography and maternal serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A, free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, activin A and inhibin A at 22 + 0 to 24 + 6 weeks' gestation.
Journal article
Spencer K. et al, (2006), Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol, 27, 658 - 663
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Hormonal regulation of placental nitric oxide and pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia.
Journal article
Vatish M. et al, (2006), Trends Mol Med, 12, 223 - 233
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Excess syncytiotrophoblast microparticle shedding is a feature of early-onset pre-eclampsia, but not normotensive intrauterine growth restriction.
Journal article
Goswami D. et al, (2006), Placenta, 27, 56 - 61
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Changes in systemic type 1 and type 2 immunity in normal pregnancy and pre-eclampsia may be mediated by natural killer cells.
Journal article
Borzychowski AM. et al, (2005), Eur J Immunol, 35, 3054 - 3063
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Assessment of risk for the development of pre-eclampsia by maternal characteristics and uterine artery Doppler.
Journal article
Papageorghiou AT. et al, (2005), BJOG, 112, 703 - 709
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Emerging technologies for the identification of therapeutic targets for the management of pre-eclampsia.
Journal article
Pritlove DC. et al, (2004), Expert Opin Ther Targets, 8, 507 - 514
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Second-trimester sex hormone-binding globulin and subsequent development of pre-eclampsia.
Journal article
Yu CKH. et al, (2004), J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med, 16, 158 - 162
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Uterine artery Doppler and mid-trimester maternal plasma homocysteine in subsequent pre-eclampsia.
Journal article
Yu CKH. et al, (2004), J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med, 16, 134 - 139
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Methodological and technical issues related to the diagnosis, screening, prevention, and treatment of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.
Journal article
Villar J. et al, (2004), Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 85 Suppl 1, S28 - S41
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Randomized controlled trial using low-dose aspirin in the prevention of pre-eclampsia in women with abnormal uterine artery Doppler at 23 weeks' gestation.
Journal article
Yu CKH. et al, (2003), Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol, 22, 233 - 239
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Trophoblast deportation and the maternal inflammatory response in pre-eclampsia.
Journal article
Sargent IL. et al, (2003), J Reprod Immunol, 59, 153 - 160
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Hypoxia alters expression and function of syncytin and its receptor during trophoblast cell fusion of human placental BeWo cells: implications for impaired trophoblast syncytialisation in pre-eclampsia.
Journal article
Kudo Y. et al, (2003), Biochim Biophys Acta, 1638, 63 - 71
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Inhibin, activin, follistatin, activin receptors and beta-glycan gene expression in the placental tissue of patients with pre-eclampsia.
Journal article
Casagrandi D. et al, (2003), Mol Hum Reprod, 9, 199 - 203
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Pre-eclampsia, the placenta and the maternal systemic inflammatory response--a review.
Journal article
Redman CWG. and Sargent IL., (2003), Placenta, 24 Suppl A, S21 - S27
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Stereological investigation of placental morphology in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia with and without intrauterine growth restriction.
Journal article
Mayhew TM. et al, (2003), Placenta, 24, 219 - 226
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Matrix metalloprotease-9, placental syncytiotrophoblast and the endothelial dysfunction of pre-eclampsia.
Journal article
de Jager CA. et al, (2003), Placenta, 24, 84 - 91
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Screening for pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction in twin pregnancies at 23 weeks of gestation by transvaginal uterine artery Doppler.
Journal article
Yu CKH. et al, (2002), Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol, 20, 535 - 540
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Multicenter screening for pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction by transvaginal uterine artery Doppler at 23 weeks of gestation.
Journal article
Papageorghiou AT. et al, (2001), Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol, 18, 441 - 449
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The relation between pre-eclampsia at term and neonatal encephalopathy.
Journal article
Impey L. et al, (2001), Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed, 85, F170 - F172
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The pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia.
Journal article
Redman CW. and Sargent IL., (2001), Gynecol Obstet Fertil, 29, 518 - 522
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Trophoblast deportation in human pregnancy--its relevance for pre-eclampsia.
Journal article
Johansen M. et al, (1999), Placenta, 20, 531 - 539