Angiogenic imbalance in preeclampsia: does vitamin D status matter?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15574/HW.2025.3(178).4045Keywords:
25(OH)D concentration, vitamin D deficiency, sFlt-1/PlGF, pregnancy, preeclampsiaAbstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the leading hypertensive complications of pregnancy and is characterized by systemic endothelial dysfunction. A central mechanism in the pathogenesis of PE is angiogenic imbalance, particularly an elevated sFlt-1/PlGF ratio. Recent studies suggest a potential role of vitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency in the development of PE, possibly through its indirect effects on angiogenesis.
Aim - to investigate the relationship between the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and 25(OH)D levels in pregnant women with PE.
Materials and methods. The study included 90 pregnant women: 60 with PE and 30 with uncomplicated pregnancies (control group). Serum levels of sFlt-1, PlGF, and 25(OH)D were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Group comparisons were conducted, and correlations between 25(OH)D levels and the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio were analyzed.
Results. Women with PE had significantly higher sFlt-1 levels (8520±1130 pg/mL) and lower PlGF levels (78±22 pg/mL) compared to the control group (3140±850 pg/mL and 235±45 pg/mL, respectively). The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was markedly elevated in the PE group (mean 109.2 vs. 13.4). Serum 25(OH)D levels were lower in women with PE compared to controls (18.6±5.4 ng/mL vs. 28.7±6.2 ng/mL). A significant inverse correlation was found between 25(OH)D levels and the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio.
Conclusions. Pregnant women with PE demonstrate both angiogenic imbalance and vitamin D deficiency. The observed inverse correlation between 25(OH)D levels and the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio suggests a possible contribution of vitamin D deficiency to the dysregulation of angiogenesis in PE. These findings support the rationale for further studies on vitamin D-based strategies for preventing angiogenic imbalance and PE.
The study was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The study protocol was approved by the Committee on bioethics and deontology of these institutions. The informed consent of the children's parents was obtained for the research.
No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.
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