Cullin 1 as a proangiogenic factor and its relationship with vascular endothelial growth factor and p21 are associated with the length of gestational age of pre-eclampsia

Background: Cullin 1 (CUL1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and p21 are proteins that play a role in pregnancy. CUL1 and VEGF are proangiogenic factors, whereas p21 is an antiangiogenic factor. An imbalance between proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors is one of the various factors that cause pre-eclampsia (PE). The aim of this study was to analyze CUL1 levels in the relationship with VEGF levels and p21 levels based on gestational age at delivery in PE. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 70 placentas from PE patients divided in two groups of gestational age at delivery: <34 weeks and ≥34 weeks. Levels of CUL1, VEGF, and p21 were examined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Statistical analysis was assessed by Spearman correlation test and Chi-square test, with a significant P < 0.05. Results: Low levels of CUL1 and low levels of VEGF were related with <34 weeks of gestational age at delivery, whereas high levels of CUL1 and high levels VEGF were related with ≥34 weeks of gestational age at delivery. There was a negative correlation between the high ratios of p21/CUL1 and <34 weeks of gestational age at delivery in PE. Conclusions: Low levels of CUL1 and low levels VEGF and high ratios of p21/CUL1 were associated with <34 weeks of gestational age at delivery in PE.