Relationship between alterations of placenta growth factor (PLGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1(sFlt-1) in maternal serum and pathogenesis of patients with preeclampsia

Objective:To detect serum levels of placenta growth factor (PLGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) during different periods in normal pregnancy and patients with preeclampsia and to evaluate their role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.Methods:Women enrolled prospectively in following groups:healthy pregnant control (n=200) and preeclampsia patients,who had mild preeclampsia (n=31) or severe preeclampsia (n=26).The serum PLGF and sFlt-1 levels were measured by enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA).Results:Maternal serum PLGF levels during all periods were significantly lower in the preeclamptic women than in normal controls (P0.01).The levels of maternal plasma sFlt-1 were significantly higher in the preeclamptic women than in normal controls during the latter three periods of pregnancy (P0.01).The serum sFlt-1 /PLGF ratio was significantly higher in the preeclamptic women than in normal controls (P0.01).Conclusion:Alterations in the levels of sFlt-1 and free PLGF in maternal serum were associated with the occurrence and development of preeclampsia.