This assay is intended for the in vitro quantitative determination of Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) in human serum and plasma. Used alongside the sFlt-1 assay, it helps calculate the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, which aids in diagnosing preeclampsia when combined with other clinical information. PlGF is a glycoprotein homodimer belonging to the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family, produced by placental syncytiotrophoblasts and umbilical vein endothelial cells. It promotes placental cell proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, and vascular remodeling, supporting normal placental blood supply and fetal development. Preeclampsia, affecting 2-8% of pregnancies worldwide, is characterized by hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation along with proteinuria or organ dysfunction. In preeclampsia, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) levels rise, while PlGF levels fall compared to normal pregnancies. Monitoring the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio provides valuable insight into the risk and presence of preeclampsia, helping guide diagnosis and management. Common testing methods include ELISA, chemiluminescence, and immunofluorescence.
