Angiogenic Imbalance in Preeclampsia: Profiling VEGF A, sFlt1, PlGF, and sFlt1/PlGF Ratios

TL;DR

This study explores how imbalances in angiogenic factors like VEGF A, sFlt1, and PlGF are linked to preeclampsia and maternal BMI during pregnancy.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the relationship between VEGF A and the sFlt1-to-PlGF ratio in preeclampsia, particularly in the context of maternal adiposity.

Findings

Preeclampsia is associated with higher maternal BMI and elevated sFlt1-to-PlGF ratios.

VEGF A levels increase with higher sFlt1-to-PlGF ratio categories in preeclamptic pregnancies.

PlGF levels are significantly lower in preeclamptic pregnancies compared to normal ones.

Abstract

Preeclampsia involves an angiogenic imbalance, but circulating vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF A) remains inconsistently described, particularly in relation to maternal adiposity. We studied 90 second-trimester pregnancies, 30 uncomplicated and 60 with preeclampsia, recording maternal body mass index (BMI) and gestational age at sampling. Serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1), placental growth factor (PlGF), and VEGF A were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the sFlt1-to-PlGF ratio was calculated. Preeclampsia was associated with higher pre-pregnancy and pregnancy BMI, lower PlGF, and an approximately threefold higher sFlt1-to-PlGF ratio, while sFlt1 alone was only borderline higher. VEGF A was elevated in preeclampsia and rose across higher sFlt1-to-PlGF ratio categories, supporting the interpretation of VEGF A within the integrated sFlt1,PlGF axis rather than as an isolated signal.

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