Placental angiopoietin-1 and angiopoietin-2 expression and correlation with birth weight in twins

Objective. To study the expression of angiopoietin 1 (Ang1) and angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) in human placentas of dizygotic dichorionic twins in relation to fetal growth. Study design. Placentas from dizygotic-dichorionic twins (n = 14) obtained from normal uncomplicated pregnancies were collected immediately after delivery. A quantitative assessment of the placental expression of Ang1 and Ang2 was done using quantitative PCR. Birth weight and anthropometric parameters were measured. Statistical analysis was preformed. Results. Ang1 and Ang2 were expressed in the placentas. We found a significant positive correlation between birth weight and expression of both Ang1 and Ang2 (p < 0.009, p < 0.011, respectively). In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between skin fold, BMI and Ang1 expression (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion. A positive correlation between twin birth weight and placental angiogenesis was found. We suggest that placental expression of Ang1 and Ang2 may have an important role in fetal growth in twin pregnancy.