title: [New insights into the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia: the role of angiogenesis-inhibiting factors].
abstract: The pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia is biphasic. The first phase is characterised by insufficient placentation and the second phase by an increased placental release of 2 anti-angiogenic factors, namely, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) and soluble endoglin (sEng). Within maternal circulation, sFlt-1 and sEng inhibit the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). This results in endothelial cell activation and inflammation, and eventually leads to the clinical syndrome of pre-eclampsia. The rise in plasma concentrations of sFlt-1 and sEng precedes the development of pre-eclampsia with 6-8 weeks. Whether elevations in the plasma concentrations of sFlt and sEng, combined with a decrease in placental growth factor concentrations, can be utilised as a predictor for pre-eclampsia is currently under investigation.
authors.affiliation: Erasmus Medisch Centrum, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Koen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Verdonk
authors.forename: Willy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Visser
authors.forename: Eric A P
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Steegers
authors.forename: Mariëtte  H W
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kappers
authors.forename: A H Jan
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Danser
authors.forename: Anton H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: van den Meiracker
mesh_terms: D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000071063:Endoglin; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010920:Placenta / Q000378:metabolism; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D012995:Solubility; D040281:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis*
chemical_list: D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents; D015703:Antigens, CD; C064206:ENG protein, human; D000071063:Endoglin; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; C501162:FLT1 protein, human; D040281:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1