Changes in expression of vascular endothelial growth factor D-related genes in placental mesenchymal dysplasia.

A recent report indicated that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-D, regulating cell proliferation and/or differentiation, may be associated with the development of placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD), a disorder characterized by cell proliferation/differentiation. In PMD placenta, we examined the expression of five cell-proliferation/differentiation-associated genes, namely, Wnt3a, Wnt5a, β-catenin, VEGF-D and Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1). In PMD, expressions of Wnt3a, Wnt5a and β-catenin were decreased, whereas those of VEGF-D and DKK-1 were increased. These abnormal expressions suggest a relationship between these genes and PMD pathogenesis/pathophysiology.