Circulatory and Placental Expression of Soluble Fms-like Tyrosine Kinase-1 and Placental Growth Factor in HIV-infected Preeclampsia

An imbalance between angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE). Studies have shown a dysregulation of sFlt-1 and placental growth factor (PlGF) in PE. However, there are differing reports on the levels of these pro-/anti-angiogenic factors in HIV-infected preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancies, possibly due to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and its immune reconstitution effect. The study aimed to investigate the effect of hypertension and ARVs on circulating and placental pro- and anti-angiogenic factors in HIV-infected PE. The level of sFlt-1 expression is elevated in PE compared to normal pregnancies. PlGF was altered by placental dysfunction. Antiretroviral therapy does not impact the angiogenic shift in PE development. The angiogenic imbalance evident in the circulatory system by higher sFlt-1 compared to PlGF levels is replicated in the placenta by reduced expression of PlGF receptors in comparison to sFlt-1 receptors. However, there is a lack of data that explore the relationship between HAART and anti-angiogenic factors in the placenta and the circulation of PE comorbid with HIV infection.