Changes in Maternal Plasma Levels of VEGF, bFGF, TGF-β₁, ET-1 and sKL During Uncomplicated Pregnancy, Hypertensive Pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes

Abstract

Background. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), transforming growth factor-beta₁ (TGF-β₁), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and soluble c-kit ligand (sKL) are cytokines involved in embryogenesis. Materials and Methods: Maternal plasma cytokines were measured with ELISA during the three trimesters of gestation and on the day of delivery in 93 pregnant women and 18 age-matched non-pregnant control women. Results: The VEGF and bFGF levels increased during the first trimester and declined thereafter, but they remained above the controls' values until delivery. The TGF-β₁ levels increased during the first trimester and remained unchanged thereafter. On the contrary, the ET-1 levels decreased and remained low until delivery. VEGF, bFGF, TGF-β₁ and ET-1 were increased in hypertensive pregnancy. Except for ET-1, these cytokines were also increased in gestational diabetes. No changes in plasma sKL were documented. Conclusion: All the aforementioned cytokines play a role in uncomplicated pregnancy, whereas hypertensive pregnancy is causatively-related with increased ET-1.