title: Placental growth factor (PlGF): a key to optimizing fetal growth.
abstract: The needs of the uterus and the fetus for the provision of nutrients and oxygen, supplied by the blood flow, are understandably extremely high, with the circulatory system playing the most important role in this action. Abnormal vascular growth and transformation that create a high vessel resistance network have been associated with various pregnancy pathologies, including miscarriage, small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses with or without preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Placental growth factor (PlGF) has a major role in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in human placenta. Low concentrations of PlGF and high concentrations of its inhibitor-soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) are linked with impaired angiogenesis and placental development, leading to the above pregnancy complications. The activity of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is the most potent of all angiogenic mediators, is partly modulated by PlGF. Although the mechanisms via which PlGF exerts its various effects are still under investigation, we herein discuss the known actions exerted by this major mediator together with its results on fetal growth.
authors: 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece. nvrachnis@hotmail.com
authors: Nikolaos
authors: N
authors: Vrachnis
authors: Emmanouil
authors: E
authors: Kalampokas
authors: Stavros
authors: S
authors: Sifakis
authors: Nikolaos
authors: N
authors: Vitoratos
authors: Theodoros
authors: T
authors: Kalampokas
authors: Demetrios
authors: D
authors: Botsis
authors: Zoe
authors: Z
authors: Iliodromiti
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development / Q000235:genetics*; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D000072483:Placenta Growth Factor; D011247:Pregnancy; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D040281:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D040301:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: C000608036:PGF protein, human; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins; D000072483:Placenta Growth Factor; D040281:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1; D040301:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2