Endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor and placenta-mediated pregnancy complication

Placenta-mediated pregnancy complication (PMPC), including preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction and recurrent pregnancy loss, is caused by inadequate trophoblast invasion and abnormal remodeling of maternal spiral arteries in early pregnancy, resulting in adverse perinatal outcomes and affecting the long-term maternal and child health. However, the molecular mechanisms of PMPC remain unclear. Endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor (EG-VEGF) is highly expressed in human placenta and plays an important role in the development of a normal placenta through promoting placental angiogenesis and inhibiting trophoblast migration and invasion. EG-VEGF dysregulation is closely related to the pathogenesis of PMPC. This review described recent advances in EG-VEGF for better understanding of the underlying mechanism of PMPC and providing a potential biomarker for early diagnosis of PMPC. Key words: Pregnancy complications; Placenta diseases; Vascular endothelial growth factor, endocrine-gland-derived