Upregulation of sFlt-1 by trophoblasts induces the barrier d

[caryn]

It was concluded that the dysregulation of sFlt-1 and VEGF in preeclamptic pregnancy may contribute to the barrier dysfunction of glomerular endothelial cells, and VEGF may play an important role in maintaining the barrier function of glomerular endothelial cells, but it may not be the sole factor.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22173504

So this is another study suggesting that the damage to the kidneys ("glomerular endotheliosis") is caused by upregulation of sFlt-1 binding to VEGF and pulling it out of circulation. That's why the podocyte urine screening test is really measuring the same thing as the soluble factors tests in development.

[kerisue]

okay, so vegf is good, sflt1 is bad... what can we DO about it?? (this is a rhetorical question as I know no one has the answer)

[caryn]

It would be so good just to know the trainwreck is out there, kwim? If we can get a screening test out of this finally, instead of waiting for women to develop symptoms and crash, then we can plan ahead for the needs. The NICU. The steroids. The MFM.

Heck, I'd be happy to see anything that made them stop sending us home with the suggestion that we're being hypervigilant and paranoid and doing it wrong and that's why our blood pressure is up.

[MissingMolly]

Heck, I'd be happy to see anything that made them stop sending us home with the suggestion that we're being hypervigilant and paranoid and doing it wrong and that's why our blood pressure is up.

Agreed!