Influence of epidermal growth factor receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor expression on angiogenesis in chorionic villi and its relationship with missed abortion

Objective To investigate the potential roles of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in villous angiogenesis in the first trimester and its relationship with missed abortion. Methods We detected the expression of EGFR, VEGF and micro vessel density (MVD) by immunohistochemistry in the villi from women with missed abortion group (n=30) and from women with requested induced abortion in the first trimester group (control group) (n=30). We also analyzed their correlations between the two groups. Results Missed abortion patients were detected significantly lower MVD than control group. Compared with control group, the expressions of EGFR and VEGF were statistically reduced in missed abortion. Correlation analysis showed that the expressions of EGFR and VEGF were positively correlated with MVD in the two groups. Conclusion The expressions of EGFR and VEGF were closely related to villous angiogenesis. EGFR and VEGF were closely involved in abnormal angiogenesis etiology of missed abortion. Key words: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR); Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); Microvessel density (MVD); Missed abortion