# 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.

## Key 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.