Angiogenic biomarkers in pregnancy: defining maternal and fetal health

Abstract

We review diagnostic and predictive roles of the angiogenic proteins placental growth factor, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 and soluble endoglin in preeclampsia, and their association with future cardiovascular disease, diabetes and breast cancer. Specific patterns of these proteins represent preeclamptic prediction markers and combined with maternal and clinical characteristics, the predictive values increase. Women experiencing preeclampsia have increased risks of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, and a decreased risk of breast cancer. High placental growth factor concentrations have in elderly patients been shown to predict cardiovascular events. Diabetes is also a risk factor for future cardiovascular disease. Diabetic vascular complications are associated with increased soluble endoglin concentrations, and vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations are correlated to HbA1c and fasting glucose. Thus dysregulation in angiogenic proteins may link preeclampsia and cardiovascular diseases, targeting women who could in future benefit from prophylactic programs to possibly prevent, delay or reduce cardiovascular disease. This is the accepted version of the following article: Rasmussen LG, Lykke JA, Staff AC. Angiogenic biomarkers in pregnancy: defining maternal and fetal health. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2015; DOI: 10.1111/aogs.12629