A systematic review on the application of vascular endothelial growth factors in preeclampsia

Abstract

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) is a disease associated with elevated blood pressure during pregnancy, accounting for 5–10% of all pregnancies, which includes: gestational hypertension, preeclampsia (PE), eclampsia, chronic hypertension with superimposed PE and chronic hypertension. PE is the most prevalent type of HDP that seriously threatens the life and health of mothers and infants. In-depth exploration of the pathogenesis can play an early role in predicting the disease. Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and other databases in the article. It was investigated by searching for literature published between 1993 and March 2021; the subject terms included—“vascular endothelial growth factor”, “preeclampsia”, and “pathogenesis”. In the article, the inclusion criteria of literature should meet the definition of PE. It was excluded as reviews, case reports, narrative reviews, and publications that lack key information. Results: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family factor research provides pivotal value for early clinical prediction of PE. Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1)/placental growth factor (PlGF) became a marker for early prediction of PE. Through the included 51 articles, the analysis of VEGF in PE and its pathway factors was summarized to clarify the pathogenesis further and provide innovative ideas for future research directions and clinical diagnosis. Discussion: A systematic review of the VEGF family in the pathogenesis of PE was concluded in the study to find angiogenesis markers of PE from the pathogenesis of the available literature. Therefore, early intervention of clinical diseases could reduce maternal complications and ensure the maximum health of mothers and babies. There are differences in the research results of factors in the VEGF family, and further research is needed to provide accurate clinical evidence.