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Serum PLGF as a potential biomarker for predicting the onset of preeclampsia
Sanjib Kumar Ghosh1, Shashi Raheja, Anita Tuli
1Department of Anatomy, Lady Hardinge Medical College, Room no. 118, House Surgeons Block, Near Shivaji Stadium, New Delhi 110001, India. drsanjib79@gmail.com
Insights
Serum placental growth factor (PLGF) levels measured at 26 weeks can predict preeclampsia risk in pregnant women. Low PLGF levels indicate a higher risk for developing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and perinatal mortality.
- Predicting preeclampsia onset remains a significant clinical challenge.
- Altered placental growth factor (PLGF) levels are observed in preeclampsia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate serum PLGF levels in the late second trimester as a predictor for preeclampsia.
- To determine if PLGF estimation can identify women at risk for preeclampsia.
Main Methods:
- Study included 150 nulliparous women: 30 normotensive, 60 mild preeclampsia, 60 severe preeclampsia.
- Serum samples analyzed using ELISA to quantify PLGF levels.
- PLGF levels assessed at 26-32 weeks gestation.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower mean serum PLGF levels in mild and severe preeclampsia compared to normotensive pregnancies.
- Serum PLGF levels peaked at 26-28 weeks and decreased thereafter.
- Statistical analysis determined cutoff values for predicting preeclampsia.
Conclusions:
- Serum PLGF estimation at 26 weeks gestation serves as a sensitive screening test for preeclampsia risk.
- Identifies nulliparous women at high risk for developing preeclampsia.
- Supports the use of PLGF as an early diagnostic marker.
Purpose:
Preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Till date despite years of research into the condition, predicting the onset of preeclampsia remains a problem. Placental growth factor is one of the many angiogenic factors, which shows significant altered levels in preeclampsia compared to normal pregnancy. The present study aims to analyze whether estimation of serum PLGF levels in late second trimester can act as a predictor of preeclampsia.
Methods:
A total of 150 nulliparous pregnant women admitted in antenatal wards or attending antenatal clinic were included in the study. They were divided into three groups: 30 women being normotensive and 60 each with diagnosed mild and severe preeclampsia, respectively. Serum samples collected from the study groups were subjected to ELISA, and serum PLGF level was calculated in all the samples.
Results:
Mean serum PLGF levels were found to be significantly low in mild and severe preeclampsia as compared to normal pregnancy. Serum PLGF levels were highest at 26-28 weeks and were lowered at 28-30 and 30-32 weeks of gestation within each of the three study groups. Cutoff value of serum PLGF levels for predicting mild and severe preeclampsia was calculated statistically from the analyzed data.
Conclusion:
Estimation of serum PLGF levels at 26 weeks of gestation in nulliparous pregnant women can be used as a screening test to identify women at risk for the development of preeclampsia with very high sensitivity.
