Evidence supporting a rote for blockade of the vascular endothelial growth factor system in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia -: Young Investigator Award

Objective: Soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor I (sVEGFR-1), which antagonizes VEGF functions, has been implicated in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. The purpose of this study was to determine whether preeclampsia is associated with a change in the plasma concentration of sVEGFR-1, and, if so, whether such a change is correlated with the severity of the disease. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the concentrations of sVEGFR-1 in plasma obtained from normal pregnant women (n = 61) and patients with preeclampsia (n = 6 1). Plasma concentrations of sVEGFR-1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Results: Preeclampsia had a higher median plasma concentration of sVEGFR-1 than normal pregnancy (P < .001). The median plasma concentration of sVEGFR-1 was higher in early-onset (less than or equal to 34 weeks) than late-onset ( > 34 weeks) preeclampsia (P = .005), and higher in severe than in mild preeclampsia (P = .002). In normal pregnancy, there was a correlation between plasma concentration of sVEGFR-1 and gestational age (r = 0.5; P < .001). In contrast, there was a negative correlation between plasma concentration of sVEGFR-1 and gestational age at the onset of preeclampsia (r = -0.5; P < .001). Conclusion: Preeclampsia is associated with an increased plasma sVEGFR-1 concentration. The elevation of sVEGFR-1 concentration is correlated with the severity of the disease. These observations suggest the participation of VEGF and its soluble receptor in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.