Renin-angiotensin system dysregulation in fetuses with hydronephrosis

Stipsanelli, Aikaterini; Daskalakis, George; Koutra, Panagiota; Tsaroucha, Angeliki; Kounadi, Evangelia; Papantoniou, Vassilios; Antsaklis, Aris

doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2010.02.031

« Previous Next »European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology
Volume 150, Issue 1 , Pages 39-41, May 2010

Renin-angiotensin system dysregulation in fetuses with hydronephrosis

Aikaterini Stipsanelli
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, “Alexandra” Maternity Hospital, Athens University, 80 Vas. Sophias Av., Athens 115 28, Greece
George Daskalakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Alexandra” Maternity Hospital, Athens University, 80 Vas. Sophias Av., Athens 115 28, Greece
- Corresponding author at: 5 Katsarou Street, 12351 St. Barbara, Athens, Greece. Tel.: +30 210 5618001/6945 235757; fax: +30 210 5317224.
Panagiota Koutra
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Alexandra” Maternity Hospital, Athens University, 80 Vas. Sophias Av., Athens 115 28, Greece
Angeliki Tsaroucha
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, “Alexandra” Maternity Hospital, Athens University, 80 Vas. Sophias Av., Athens 115 28, Greece
Evangelia Kounadi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, “Alexandra” Maternity Hospital, Athens University, 80 Vas. Sophias Av., Athens 115 28, Greece
Vassilios Papantoniou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, “Alexandra” Maternity Hospital, Athens University, 80 Vas. Sophias Av., Athens 115 28, Greece
Aris Antsaklis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Alexandra” Maternity Hospital, Athens University, 80 Vas. Sophias Av., Athens 115 28, Greece

Received 10 September 2009; received in revised form 24 January 2010; accepted 10 February 2010. published online 26 February 2010.

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate if fetal hydronephrosis is associated with dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), and if it could represent an early predictor of future renal damage or arterial hypertension.

Study design

The study consisted of 26 pregnant women and their fetuses. Ultrasound scans were performed to evaluate the renal pelvis in fetuses. Four fetuses with hydronephrosis were included in the study, while the rest were found to have normal renal pelvis. Active and inactive renin was calculated by IRMA method in fetal and maternal blood, during the second trimester of pregnancy.

Results

A comparison of plasma active and inactive renin levels was made between pregnant women and their fetuses, as well as between fetuses with and without hydronephrosis. Active and inactive renin levels obtained from fetuses with hydronephrosis were significantly higher compared to those obtained from fetuses with normal kidneys.

Conclusions

Dilatation of renal pelvis in the second trimester of pregnancy seems to up-regulate the renin and prorenin system in fetal blood. Both factors are indicative of possible future renal pathology.

Keywords: Renin, Prorenin, Fetal blood, Hydronephrosis, RAS system