Increased circulating levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in preeclampsia

Objective: To determine whether levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are raised in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. Methods: Samples of serum were collected from 10 patients with preeclampsia and 10 gestation-matched normotensive controls. Levels of VEGF were measured in samples using a radioimmunoassay with a polyclonal antibody capable of recognizing all VEGF isoforms. Results: Vascular endothelial growth factor was detectable in all samples assayed. The median serum concentration of VEGF in the preeclamptic subjects was 5.1 mu g/L (interquartile range: 4.7-5.5 mu g/L) and for the control group 3.9 mu g/L (interquartile range: 3.4-4.1 mu g/L). Serum VEGF levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U-test) in the preeclamptic subjects. Conclusion: The raised circulating levels of VEGF in preeclampsia and the known effects of this growth factor on endothelial cell function suggest that VEGF may be involved in the pathophysiology of this disease.