Diagnostic applicability of the circulating growth factors in preeclampsia

This study aimed to compare the levels of various growth factors in maternal serum and umbilical vein serum between individuals with preeclampsia (PE) and those with normotensive pregnancies. One hundred eight pregnant women were enrolled in this prospective study. Blood samples were taken at third trimester. 67 serum samples of preeclampsia and 41 normotensive mothers were collected. Umbilical vein serum samples of 27 preeclampsia and 38 normotensive pregnancies were collected. Serum levels of BDNF, EGF, FGF-2, HGF, LIF, NGF-beta, PDGF-BB, PlGF-1, SCF, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and D were measured. EGF, HGF, LIF, and SCF levels were significantly higher in PE compared to normotensive group after adjustment for gestational age. There were no differences in growth factors in umbilical vein serum between two groups. EGF, NGF-beta and SCF were associated with the elevation of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. SCF showed a positive correlation with ALT and creatinine and a decreasing trend as gestational age advances. The ROC curve revealed cutoff value of 36.6 pg/mL in EGF, 23.5 in HGF, 2.78 in LIF and 2.95 in SCF (p < 0.001, p = 0.042, p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Circulating growth factors in PE may be responsible for development or consequence associated with the pathogenesis in PE especially elevated EGF, HGF, LIF and SCF.