Placental growth factor

Placental growth factor is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the PGF is_associated_with::gene.

Placental growth factor (PGF) is a member of the VEGF (is_associated_with::vascular endothelial growth factor) sub-family - a key molecule in is_associated_with::angiogenesis and is_associated_with::vasculogenesis, in particular during is_associated_with::embryogenesis. The main source of PGF during pregnancy is the placental is_associated_with::trophoblast. PGF is also expressed in many other tissues, including the villous is_associated_with::trophoblast.

Clinical significance
Placental growth factor-expression within human atherosclerotic lesions is associated with plaque inflammation and neovascular growth.

Serum levels of PGF and sFlt-1 (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, also known as soluble VEGF receptor-1) are altered in women with preeclampsia. Studies show that in both early and late onset preeclampsia, maternal serum levels of sFlt-1 are higher and PGF lower in women presenting with preeclampsia. In addition, placental sFlt-1 levels were significantly increased and PGF decreased in women with preeclampsia as compared to those with uncomplicated pregnancies. This suggests that placental concentrations of sFlt-1 and PGF mirror the maternal serum changes. This is consistent with the view that the is_associated_with::placenta is the main source of sFlt-1 and PGF during pregnancy.1