[Angiogenic proteins: possible markers of physiopathological processes during fetal development]

Pregnancy involves the coordinated formation of new vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. Several growth factors and specific receptors, e.g. vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), PlGF (placenta growth factor) and the soluble VEGF-1 receptor (VEGFR-1) play essential roles in the process. Pregnancy-related pathological conditions (preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)) are associated with aberrant expressions of these molecules, which can be measured in blood fractions from pregnant women. Using these as markers before a clinical diagnosis is evident, seems feasible. Pathological conditions, such as inflammation and cancer, also induce angiogenesis. Measurements of other endothelium-derived molecules may add to the specificity and sensitivity of angiogenic proteins as markers.