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19 pages, 2212 KB  
Article
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Placental Growth Factor in Conjunction with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 May Exert Dual Effects Within the Kidney and Brain in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Normoalbuminuric Diabetic Kidney Disease
by Ligia Petrica, Florica Gadalean, Adrian Vlad, Daliborca Vlad, Victor Dumitrascu, Tutac Paul, Flaviu Bob, Oana Milas, Anca Suteanu-Simulescu, Mihaela Glavan, Sorin Ursoniu, Lavinia Balint-Marcu, Maria Mogos-Stefan, Silvia Ienciu, Octavian Marius Cretu, Roxana Popescu, Cristina Gluhovschi, Lavinia Iancu and Dragos Catalin Jianu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(9), 3752; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27093752 - 23 Apr 2026
Viewed by 116
Abstract
The kidney and the brain share similarities in terms of structure and haemodynamic regime. The aim of the study was to assess a potential correlation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sFlt-1), and placental growth factor (PlGF) [...] Read more.
The kidney and the brain share similarities in terms of structure and haemodynamic regime. The aim of the study was to assess a potential correlation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sFlt-1), and placental growth factor (PlGF) with biomarkers of podocyte damage, proximal tubular (PT) dysfunction, and endothelial dysfunction, as well as with cerebral vessels haemodynamic indices in neurologic asymptomatic type 2 DM patients. A cohort of 212 patients diagnosed with type 2 DM and 49 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Parameters studied were urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR), biomarkers of podocyte damage (synaptopodin, podocalyxin), PT dysfunction (kidney injury molecule-1-KIM-1, N-acetyl-β-(D)-glucosaminidase-NAG), endothelial dysfunction (P-selectin), VEGF, sFlt-1, and PlGF. The cerebrovascular hemodynamic indices evaluated were intima–media thickness (IMT) in the common carotid arteries (CCAs), the pulsatility index (PI), and the resistivity index (RI) in the internal carotid arteries (ICAs) and middle cerebral arteries (MCAs). Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) was assessed by the breath-holding index (BHI). In multivariable regression analysis, serum VEGF correlated directly with UACR, synaptopodin, NAG, serum P-selectin; serum sFlt-1 correlated directly with UACR, synaptopodin, podocalyxin, NAG, KIM-1; serum PlGF correlated negatively with eGFR and directly with UACR, synaptopodin, KIM-1. IMT-CCA correlated indirectly with eGFR and directly with UACR, serum P-selectin, and serum sFlt-1. The PI-ICAs correlated negatively with eGFR and positively with UACR, synaptopodin, serum P-selectin, and serum sFlt-1. The PI-MCAs correlated indirectly with eGFR and directly with synaptopodin, serum P-selectin, and serum sFlt-1. The RI-ICAs had a negative correlation with eGFR and a positive one with UACR, synaptopodin, NAG, KIM-1, urinary sFlt-1, and serum PlGF. The RI-MCAs displayed an indirect correlation with eGFR and a direct correlation with NAG, KIM-1, and serum sFlt-1. The BHT correlated directly with eGFR and negatively with serum P-selectin and serum PlGF. The study shows a significant association of VEGF, sFlt-1, and PlGF with biomarkers of podocyte injury, PT dysfunction, and endothelial dysfunction in early stages of DKD. These pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors correlated with cerebrovascular haemodynamic indices in neurologic asymptomatic type 2 DM, even in the normoalbuminuric stage of diabetic kidney disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Aspects of Diabetes and Its Complications)
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23 pages, 6924 KB  
Review
The KISS1/KISS1R Axis in Human Placentation: Molecular Mechanisms and Implications for Foetal Growth Restriction and Pre-Eclampsia
by Elitsa Gyokova, Eleonora Hristova-Atanasova and Kamelia Dimitrova
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(9), 3748; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27093748 - 23 Apr 2026
Viewed by 157
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia and foetal growth restriction (FGR) are major pregnancy complications primarily driven by placental dysfunction, and remain leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity. Ultrasound imaging, Doppler studies, and angiogenic biomarkers like placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) constitute [...] Read more.
Pre-eclampsia and foetal growth restriction (FGR) are major pregnancy complications primarily driven by placental dysfunction, and remain leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity. Ultrasound imaging, Doppler studies, and angiogenic biomarkers like placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) constitute the main diagnostic modalities; however, these predominantly reflect established disease rather than early molecular disturbances underlying placentation. The identification of biomarkers directly associated with trophoblast signalling pathways has the potential to improve early risk stratification and enable mechanistic classifications. Kisspeptin signalling via its receptor (KISS1R) regulates trophoblast invasion, extracellular matrix remodelling, ERK1/2 activation, and angiogenic balance, thereby modulating spiral artery transformation. Kisspeptin-10 (KP-10), the minimal bioactive fragment of KISS1, is highly expressed in placental syncytiotrophoblasts and exerts its effects through the G-protein-coupled receptor KISS1R. Core features of early-onset FGR and pre-eclampsia (PE)—including defective placentation, maternal vascular malperfusion, and angiogenic imbalance—have been linked to dysregulation of this pathway. During normal gestation, maternal circulating kisspeptin concentrations rise exponentially. In contrast, pregnancies subsequently complicated by FGR or PE, particularly in the early gestation, are associated with reduced levels. However, the comparability of existing studies and their translational applicability are limited by a substantial methodological heterogeneity, including assay variability, gestational age dependence, and inadequate adjustment for maternal confounders. These limitations hinder robust conclusions regarding the role of kisspeptin in placental pathology. This review critically integrates molecular, pathophysiological, and clinical evidence relating to the role of KP-10 in placental dysfunction. The key question is whether KP-10 represents a mechanistic biomarker of trophoblast signalling dysfunction or merely a secondary marker of reduced placental mass; resolving this distinction is essential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights into Placental Pathology)
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15 pages, 2939 KB  
Article
Prenatal Naproxen Reprograms Histopathological and Molecular Facets of the Sex-Based Lung Injury in Adult Offspring of Preeclamptic Rats
by Sherien A. Abdelhady, Reem H. Elhamammy, Mohamed H. Noureldin, Yasmine Shahine, Nevine M. El-Deeb and Mahmoud M. El-Mas
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(8), 3653; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27083653 - 20 Apr 2026
Viewed by 410
Abstract
Offspring of preeclamptic (PE) mothers are at increased risk of end-organ damage. Given the widespread use of NSAIDs during pregnancy and their reported ability to mitigate organ damage in PE mothers, this study examined whether prenatal naproxen modifies PE-induced lung injury in male [...] Read more.
Offspring of preeclamptic (PE) mothers are at increased risk of end-organ damage. Given the widespread use of NSAIDs during pregnancy and their reported ability to mitigate organ damage in PE mothers, this study examined whether prenatal naproxen modifies PE-induced lung injury in male and female offspring. PE was induced by orally administered L-nitro-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME, 50 mg/kg/day for 7 days) to mothers prior to labor, and lung tissues were excised from 3-month-old offspring. Histopathology revealed increased interstitial inflammation and fibrosis in PE versus non-PE offspring lungs. This was more prominent in male than in female PE offspring and was coupled with more pulmonary expression of Axl tyrosine kinase receptor and downstream interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and antiangiogenic Fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase-1(sFlt1) effectors. These sex-related defects disappeared in offspring of PE dams treated prenatally with naproxen (1 mg/kg/day for 7 days). Further, PE offspring exhibited elevations in other inflammatory cytokines, IL-2 and TNFα, and apoptotic markers, caspase-3 and caspase-cleaved cytokeratin 18 (M-30) and total soluble cytokeratin 18 (M-65). The latter effects were evenly seen in both sexes and similarly offset by naproxen. These findings implicate Axl/IL-1α/sFlt1 signaling in the greater lung injury in male PE offspring and suggest a protective effect of gestational naproxen therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)
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13 pages, 730 KB  
Article
Angiogenic Imbalance Defines Multisystem Phenotypes of Preeclampsia: A Phenotype-Oriented Cohort Study
by Anca Tătaru-Copos, Florin Szasz, Anca Carmen Huniadi, Rodica Georgeta Negrini, Mircea Ioachim Popescu, Paula Trif, Gelu Florin Murvai, Radu Galiș, Cristian Sava and Romina Viorela Murvai
Clin. Pract. 2026, 16(4), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract16040076 - 17 Apr 2026
Viewed by 193
Abstract
Background: Preeclampsia is a heterogeneous multisystem disorder characterized by endothelial dysfunction and angiogenic imbalance. While the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio is widely used for diagnostic purposes, its role in defining biological phenotypes of preeclampsia remains insufficiently explored. This study aimed to investigate whether angiogenic imbalance [...] Read more.
Background: Preeclampsia is a heterogeneous multisystem disorder characterized by endothelial dysfunction and angiogenic imbalance. While the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio is widely used for diagnostic purposes, its role in defining biological phenotypes of preeclampsia remains insufficiently explored. This study aimed to investigate whether angiogenic imbalance is associated with distinct multisystem phenotypes of preeclampsia and with perinatal outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 320 pregnant women, of whom 68 were diagnosed with preeclampsia. Multisystem phenotypes were defined using laboratory markers reflecting renal, hepatic, and hematologic involvement. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was compared across phenotypes. Associations with gestational age at delivery, birth weight, Apgar score, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis assessed the discriminatory performance of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio for identifying the renal-dominant phenotype. Results: The mean sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was higher in preeclampsia compared to normotensive pregnancies (58.5 ± 20.3 vs. 34.6 ± 15.9). Within preeclampsia, the renal-dominant phenotype showed the highest ratio (66.0 ± 22.5), followed by hepatic (55.9 ± 18.2) and hematologic phenotypes (52.0 ± 16.8). The renal phenotype was associated with earlier delivery (34.6 weeks), lower birth weight (2196 g), higher NICU admission (10.7%), and lower Apgar scores. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio demonstrated moderate discrimination for the renal phenotype (AUC = 0.69). Conclusions: Angiogenic imbalance varies across multisystem phenotypes of preeclampsia and is associated with meaningful perinatal differences. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio may contribute to phenotype-based risk stratification, supporting a move toward precision obstetrics. Prospective studies are needed to validate phenotype-oriented classification models. Full article
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13 pages, 419 KB  
Review
Placental Vascular Malperfusion, Perinatal Death and Neonatal Brain Injury: A Mechanism-Based Narrative Review with Medico-Legal Implications
by Helenia Mastrangelo, Matteo Antonio Sacco, Saverio Gualtieri, Gioele Grimaldi, Maria Daniela Monterossi, Giuseppe Neri and Isabella Aquila
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(7), 2734; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15072734 - 4 Apr 2026
Viewed by 367
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Placental vascular malperfusion, on both the maternal (MVM) and fetal (FVM) side, is a key mechanism linking hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, fetal growth restriction (FGR), stillbirth, preterm neonatal death and neonatal encephalopathy. Nevertheless, clinical use and medico-legal interpretation of placental findings remain [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Placental vascular malperfusion, on both the maternal (MVM) and fetal (FVM) side, is a key mechanism linking hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, fetal growth restriction (FGR), stillbirth, preterm neonatal death and neonatal encephalopathy. Nevertheless, clinical use and medico-legal interpretation of placental findings remain inconsistent. To summarize recent evidence on the relationship between placental vascular malperfusion, perinatal mortality and neonatal brain injury, integrating standardized placental pathology with Doppler and angiogenic biomarkers, and to outline the main medico-legal implications. Methods: A PubMed search using the string “((placenta OR placental pathology) AND (stillbirth OR fetal death) AND (maternal vascular malperfusion OR fetal vascular malperfusion))” yielded 118 records. After excluding reviews, meta-analyses, case reports (except one illustrative SARS-CoV-2 placentitis case), non-human studies and papers without original histopathology, 33 studies were included: observational cohorts and case–control studies with standardized placental assessment, autopsy series, biomarker/Doppler cohorts, mechanistic work, one randomized trial protocol and a small number of focused clinical commentaries. Results: Across these studies, MVM emerges as the dominant placental lesion in pre-eclampsia, FGR and a large proportion of stillbirths, especially in early-onset disease and in association with maternal hypertension. FVM is strongly linked to stillbirth and term neonatal encephalopathy, and specific combinations of MVM, FVM and inflammatory lesions correspond to distinct patterns of brain injury. Large population-based cohorts confirm that maternal hypertensive disorders and placental malperfusion are major upstream causes of intrauterine hypoxia and preterm neonatal death. Doppler velocimetry and angiogenic biomarkers (PlGF, sFlt-1 and their ratio) are strongly associated with an increased likelihood of underlying MVM and adverse neonatal outcomes, although their predictive performance remains probabilistic and context-dependent rather than diagnostic. Mechanistic studies suggest roles for placental genomic instability and altered decidual immunity in defective placentation. Conclusions: Maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion represent converging pathways to FGR, stillbirth, preterm neonatal death and neonatal encephalopathy. Routine, standardized placental examination, interpreted together with Doppler and biomarker data, substantially improves causal attribution and timing of injury, with direct consequences for counselling, prevention and medico-legal assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Obstetrics & Gynecology)
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19 pages, 1393 KB  
Article
Esomeprazole Decreases Soluble Fms-like Tyrosine Kinase-1 in Preeclamptic Pregnancy in Rats
by Maria Luiza Santos da Silva, Cristal de Jesus Toghi, Augusto Antunes Fraga da Silva, Hellen Cristiny Cavalcanti de Souza, Beatriz Dragoneti Jorge, Helio Kushima, Flávia Bessi Constantino Colenci, Guilherme Henrique Marchi Salvador, Marcos Roberto de Mattos Fontes, Carlos Alexandre Henrique Fernandes and Carlos Alan Dias-Junior
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(7), 3105; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27073105 - 29 Mar 2026
Viewed by 591
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy associated with elevated levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Esomeprazole (ESO), a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) considered safe during pregnancy, has been proposed to reduce sFlt-1 levels in vitro. [...] Read more.
Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy associated with elevated levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Esomeprazole (ESO), a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) considered safe during pregnancy, has been proposed to reduce sFlt-1 levels in vitro. This study evaluated the effects of ESO in pregnant rats subjected to reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP), a well-established model of preeclampsia. Pregnant rats received saline (Preg) or ESO (Preg+ESO), while RUPP-operated rats received saline (RUPP) or ESO (RUPP+ESO). At gestational day 21, maternal blood pressure was elevated in the Preg+ESO, RUPP, and RUPP+ESO groups compared with Preg, and ESO did not attenuate RUPP-induced hypertension. Fetal and placental weights were reduced in the RUPP group, whereas ESO increased placental weight in Preg+ESO and RUPP+ESO groups. Gastric pH was elevated by ESO, confirming reduced gastric acidity. Plasma sFlt-1 levels were increased in RUPP and significantly reduced by ESO in RUPP+ESO rats. NO metabolites (NOx) were decreased in RUPP but were unaffected by treatment. Endothelium-dependent relaxation was impaired in the RUPP and RUPP+ESO groups. In conclusion, ESO did not prevent hypertension or endothelial dysfunction, but reduced circulating sFlt-1, suggesting a partial modulatory effect on angiogenic imbalance in experimental preeclampsia. Full article
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27 pages, 433 KB  
Review
Integrating Targeted Therapies into AML Frontline Therapy: Who Gets What and What Does the Future Hold?
by Johanna Schreiber, Georg Hopfinger and Karoline V. Gleixner
Cancers 2026, 18(6), 1034; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18061034 - 23 Mar 2026
Viewed by 945
Abstract
For decades, induction treatment of acute myeloid leukemia consisted of intensive chemotherapy for induction. High relapse rates and severe toxicity resulted in a five-year overall survival of ~30%. In patients ineligible for intensive treatment, hypomethylating agents (HMA) could be administered but generally failed [...] Read more.
For decades, induction treatment of acute myeloid leukemia consisted of intensive chemotherapy for induction. High relapse rates and severe toxicity resulted in a five-year overall survival of ~30%. In patients ineligible for intensive treatment, hypomethylating agents (HMA) could be administered but generally failed to induce durable remissions. These limitations have driven the development of targeted drugs and less toxic therapeutic regimens. In the past decade, fourteen new agents have gained FDA and/or EMA approval, including small-molecule inhibitors targeting FLT3, IDH1, IDH2, BCL-2, menin, and the hedgehog pathway, as well as a CD33-directed antibody-drug conjugate. The combination of targeted drugs with intensive chemotherapy or HMA has resulted in improved remission rates and prolonged survival in certain patient subpopulations. However, many promising combinations are currently being evaluated in randomized trials and are not yet available in clinical routine. A combination that has become standard of care is HMA plus venetoclax for patients unfit for intensive chemotherapy, achieving high remission rates with relatively manageable toxicity. Moreover, targeted drugs directed against FLT3 and IDH1 have been approved in combination with intensive chemotherapy and HMA, respectively. Clinical decision-making requires rapid molecular diagnostic testing, assessment of a patient’s fitness for intensive chemotherapy, and management of toxicities and drug interactions. This narrative review, illustrated with patient vignettes, summarizes currently available therapies, guides through the latest trials on frontline combinations in AML, and provides a preview of how the therapeutic landscape may evolve in the near future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Adults (2nd Edition))
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34 pages, 2679 KB  
Review
Oxidative Stress in Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia: Mechanistic and Clinical Insights
by Natnipa Parapob, Suchaya Luewan, Threebhorn Kamlungkuea and Theera Tongsong
Antioxidants 2026, 15(3), 387; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15030387 - 19 Mar 2026
Viewed by 981
Abstract
Preeclampsia, affecting 3–8% of pregnancies worldwide, remains a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. This review synthesizes current molecular, immunological, and hemodynamic evidence to clarify the central role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Placental oxidative stress, resulting [...] Read more.
Preeclampsia, affecting 3–8% of pregnancies worldwide, remains a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. This review synthesizes current molecular, immunological, and hemodynamic evidence to clarify the central role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Placental oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and antioxidant defenses, secondary to placental hypoxia due to various etiologies especially impaired spiral artery remodeling, drives mitochondrial dysfunction in trophoblasts, ischemia–reperfusion injury, inflammatory pathway activation, and disruption of angiogenic homeostasis, thereby promoting systemic inflammation. Key regulatory pathways, including Nrf2/HO-1, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and HIF-1α, together with biomarkers such as malondialdehyde, 8-isoprostane, and the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, characterize this redox imbalance. Although experimental studies demonstrate promising effects of targeted antioxidants, mitochondria-directed agents, and pathway-specific modulators, clinical translation remains limited, as non-specific antioxidants such as vitamins C and E have failed to prevent preeclampsia. Future advances will likely depend on mechanism-based therapies initiated early in pregnancy and tailored to the disease subtype and biomarker profiles. Collectively, this review provides an integrated mechanistic framework and highlights critical knowledge gaps that must be addressed to enable the development of effective preventive and therapeutic interventions for preeclampsia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oxidative Stress in Pregnant Women and Fetuses)
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19 pages, 743 KB  
Review
Preeclampsia Is a Double-Hit Vascular Disorder: The VEGF-HO-1-CSE Axis
by Asif Ahmed, Stephen K. Smith, Shakil Ahmad and Keqing Wang
Biomolecules 2026, 16(3), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16030436 - 13 Mar 2026
Viewed by 679
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a double-hit vascular disorder centred on the VEGF-HO-1-CSE axis. First, excess placental soluble Flt-1 (sFlt-1) neutralises vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF), producing an angiogenic deficit that drives endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, proteinuria and end organ injury. Second, [...] Read more.
Preeclampsia is a double-hit vascular disorder centred on the VEGF-HO-1-CSE axis. First, excess placental soluble Flt-1 (sFlt-1) neutralises vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF), producing an angiogenic deficit that drives endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, proteinuria and end organ injury. Second, the failure of endogenous vascular brakes, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1/CO) and cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE)/hydrogen sulfide (H2S) removes physiological restraint on anti-angiogenic factor release (sFlt-1; soluble endoglin) and amplifies oxidative–inflammatory stress, lowering the threshold at which VEGF loss precipitates severe disease. We synthesise human, animal and translational data that (i) establish placental sFlt-1 source and release, (ii) demonstrate human mechanistic causality via sFlt-1 removal, (iii) show prospective clinical validation that sFlt-1 rises and free PlGF falls before disease onset, and (iv) identify HO-1 and CSE/H2S as protective pathways that restrain anti-angiogenic drive. Finally, we summarise preclinical evidence that the orally administered H2S-donor prodrug MZe786 restores the HO-1/CSE axis, lowers sFlt-1 and soluble endoglin (sEng), and improves maternal haemodynamics and foetal outcomes across complementary pregnancy models, and we outline the role of sFlt-1/PlGF and M-PREG-based triage in clinical decision making. While valuable for short-term triage, current sFlt-1/PlGF-based approaches cannot sub-stratify among positive cases. Framing severe preeclampsia as a double-hit vascular disorder provides a biologically grounded framework that can inform risk stratification strategies like M-PREG®, a clinical decision support system informed by the double hit framework, and prevention strategies, pairing early risk stratification with mechanism-informed interventions. Full article
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16 pages, 697 KB  
Article
Angiogenic Imbalance in Preeclampsia: Profiling VEGF A, sFlt1, PlGF, and sFlt1/PlGF Ratios
by Alexandru-Dan Assani, Lidia Boldeanu, Marius Bogdan Novac, Mohamed-Zakaria Assani, Isabela Siloși, Mihail Virgil Boldeanu, Anda Lorena Dijmărescu, Maria-Magdalena Manolea, Venera Cristina Dinescu and Constantin-Cristian Văduva
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(5), 2438; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27052438 - 6 Mar 2026
Viewed by 695
Abstract
Preeclampsia involves an angiogenic imbalance, but circulating vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF A) remains inconsistently described, particularly in relation to maternal adiposity. We studied 90 second-trimester pregnancies, 30 uncomplicated and 60 with preeclampsia, recording maternal body mass index (BMI) and gestational age [...] Read more.
Preeclampsia involves an angiogenic imbalance, but circulating vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF A) remains inconsistently described, particularly in relation to maternal adiposity. We studied 90 second-trimester pregnancies, 30 uncomplicated and 60 with preeclampsia, recording maternal body mass index (BMI) and gestational age at sampling. Serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1), placental growth factor (PlGF), and VEGF A were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the sFlt1-to-PlGF ratio was calculated. Preeclampsia was associated with higher pre-pregnancy and pregnancy BMI, lower PlGF, and an approximately threefold higher sFlt1-to-PlGF ratio, while sFlt1 alone was only borderline higher. VEGF A was elevated in preeclampsia and rose across higher sFlt1-to-PlGF ratio categories, supporting the interpretation of VEGF A within the integrated sFlt1,PlGF axis rather than as an isolated signal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Pathology of the Placenta in Pregnancy Complications)
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12 pages, 532 KB  
Article
sFlt-1/PlGF Ratio as a Central Biomarker for Preeclampsia and Perinatal Outcomes: A Multisystem Retrospective Cohort Study
by Anca Tătaru-Copos, Anca Carmen Huniadi, Rodica Georgeta Negrini, Mircea Ioachim Popescu, Paula Trif, Gelu Florin Murvai, Radu Galiș, Cristian Sava, Florin Szasz and Romina Viorela Murvai
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(5), 1990; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15051990 - 5 Mar 2026
Viewed by 561
Abstract
Background: Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity, characterized by placental dysfunction and angiogenic imbalance. The soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-to-placental growth factor (sFlt-1/PlGF) ratio has emerged as a promising biomarker for preeclampsia; however, its prognostic value for maternal and [...] Read more.
Background: Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity, characterized by placental dysfunction and angiogenic imbalance. The soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-to-placental growth factor (sFlt-1/PlGF) ratio has emerged as a promising biomarker for preeclampsia; however, its prognostic value for maternal and neonatal outcomes remains incompletely defined. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 320 pregnant women, of whom 68 were diagnosed with preeclampsia, and 252 served as non-preeclamptic controls. Maternal serum sFlt-1 and PlGF levels were measured after 20 weeks of gestation at the time of clinical evaluation for suspected hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Group comparisons, effect size analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and multivariable regression models were used to assess diagnostic performance and associations with maternal and neonatal outcomes. Results: The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was significantly higher in women with preeclampsia compared with non-preeclamptic pregnancies (58.5 ± 17.3 vs. 34.6 ± 19.0; p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.31). ROC analysis demonstrated good discriminative ability for preeclampsia (AUC = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.75–0.87), with a high negative predictive value. Increasing sFlt-1/PlGF values were independently associated with earlier gestational age at delivery, lower birth weight, reduced Apgar (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration) score, and a higher likelihood of neonatal intensive care unit admission. Conclusions: The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio is a robust biomarker for preeclampsia, providing both diagnostic discrimination and prognostic information regarding maternal and neonatal outcomes. Its integration into clinical practice may support clinical risk awareness when interpreted in the context of standard clinical evaluation and support informed decision-making in pregnancies with suspected or confirmed preeclampsia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Obstetrics & Gynecology)
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14 pages, 694 KB  
Review
Preeclampsia: Contemporary Concepts in Pathophysiology, Risk Stratification, Prevention and Monitoring
by Piotr Witkowski, Bartosz Dzieński, Katarzyna Stefańska, Martyna Tomaszewicz, Magdalena Zabielska-Kaczorowska and Dariusz Wydra
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(5), 1944; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15051944 - 4 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1472
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a heterogeneous disorder affecting approximately 2–5% of pregnancies and remains a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Its clinical presentation ranges from mild, nearly asymptomatic forms to severe conditions progressing to eclampsia or HELLP syndrome. Despite significant [...] Read more.
Preeclampsia is a heterogeneous disorder affecting approximately 2–5% of pregnancies and remains a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Its clinical presentation ranges from mild, nearly asymptomatic forms to severe conditions progressing to eclampsia or HELLP syndrome. Despite significant advances in understanding its pathophysiology, preeclampsia continues to pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. In recent years, intensive research efforts have focused on developing comprehensive diagnostic criteria, identifying novel biomarkers, improving risk prediction models, and establishing effective preventive and monitoring strategies. However, expert opinions and clinical guidelines remain partially inconsistent. This review aims to summarize current global concepts regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk stratification, diagnosis, prevention, and monitoring of preeclampsia, with particular emphasis on emerging biomarkers and personalized approaches to patient care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Opportunities in Prenatal Diagnosis)
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66 pages, 3970 KB  
Review
Aberrant Uteroplacental and Vascular Signaling and Remodeling by Matrix Metalloproteinases in Pregnancy-Related Hypertension and Preeclampsia
by Ellie Y. Wu and Raouf A. Khalil
Biomolecules 2026, 16(3), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16030380 - 3 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1138
Abstract
Normal pregnancy is associated with uterine and vascular remodeling by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) to facilitate placental blood flow and uterine expansion for the growing fetus. Increases in MMP-2 and MMP-9 in response to estrogen and progesterone promote placentation, uteroplacental vascularization and fetal growth [...] Read more.
Normal pregnancy is associated with uterine and vascular remodeling by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) to facilitate placental blood flow and uterine expansion for the growing fetus. Increases in MMP-2 and MMP-9 in response to estrogen and progesterone promote placentation, uteroplacental vascularization and fetal growth during healthy pregnancy, but are altered in preeclampsia (PE). PE is characterized by hypertension in pregnancy (HTN-Preg) and fetal growth restriction (FGR). Predisposing genetic, demographic and environmental factors alter uteroplacental MMPs, immune response and integrins leading to apoptosis of invasive trophoblasts, inadequate spiral arteries remodeling, and reduced uteroplacental perfusion pressure (RUPP). Ensuing placental ischemia causes imbalance between anti-angiogenic soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and pro-angiogenic placental growth factor (PlGF) and promotes the release of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), hypoxia-inducible factor, reactive oxygen species, and angiotensin AT1 receptor agonistic autoantibodies. Systemically, these bioactive factors target vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and extracellular matrix, causing endothelial dysfunction, vasoconstriction, inadequate vascular remodeling, and HTN-Preg, while locally they diminish uteroplacental remodeling and cause FGR. In support, animal models of HTN-Preg induced by RUPP or infusion of sFlt-1 or TNF-α show decreases in vascular MMP-2, MMP-9 and vasodilation, increases in MMP-1, MMP-7 and vasoconstriction, collagen accumulation, and arterial stiffness. Also, decreases in uterine MMP-2 and MMP-9 could impede uterine expansion and lead to preterm birth. Conversely, PlGF and TNF-α antagonist reversed MMPs imbalance and collagen accumulation, and improved vascular function, blood pressure, and pup weight in HTN-Preg models. Persistent postpartum changes in MMPs could affect maternal hemorrhage, future pregnancies, and HTN, and cause fetal programming of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Understanding the aberrant uteroplacental and vascular signaling and remodeling by MMPs could help design new biomarkers and remedies for PE. Targeting bioactive factors and rectifying MMP imbalance could improve vascular and uteroplacental remodeling, and manage HTN-Preg, FGR and PE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Reproduction)
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16 pages, 748 KB  
Review
Hypomethylating Agents and Venetoclax Based Triplets Targeting FLT3, IDH and KMT2A in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Current Studies and Challenges of a Tailored Approach
by Elisa Santambrogio, Alessia Castellino, Ernesta Audisio, Martin Schumacher, Georg Feldmann, Raheel Iftikhar, Peter Brossart and Semra Aydin
Cancers 2026, 18(4), 615; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18040615 - 13 Feb 2026
Viewed by 836
Abstract
Recent implementations with novel target drugs of the hypomethylating agent/venetoclax doublet challenge our treatment approach in acute myeloid leukemia patients ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. Given the doublets’ efficacy, associations of agents based on the disease’s biology to the doublet backbone are leading to [...] Read more.
Recent implementations with novel target drugs of the hypomethylating agent/venetoclax doublet challenge our treatment approach in acute myeloid leukemia patients ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. Given the doublets’ efficacy, associations of agents based on the disease’s biology to the doublet backbone are leading to novel triplet (or more) combinations. In the present review mainly FLT3, IDH and KMT2A are discussed as possible targets in this context. These triplets do not only have efficacy in relapsed/refractory patients but also in treatment-naïve patients. Results from concluded and ongoing clinical trials, as well as real-world experiences, report high efficacies competing with intensive chemotherapy. For instance, the azacytidine/venetoclax/gilteritinib triplet as first-line is reported to induce a complete remission rate with and without incomplete recovery (CR/CRi) of 96%, with 90% of responders achieving minimal residual negativity. Once a stable CR was obtained, 47% of patients who were initially considered too frail for intensive chemotherapy were able to undergo allogeneic stem cell transplantation. However, there are still open questions and challenges regarding toxicity, post-remission therapy, and overall treatment duration. The present review will not only present the specific potency of these arising triplets, but also discuss their challenges and limitations, based on currently available data. Besides regimens containing approved inhibitors, triplets with next-generation inhibitors, including completely orally administered triplet regimens, are also summarized. Their promising results are leading to advanced phase clinical studies by international consortia and collaborative groups, aiming to further refine their clinical management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Drug Development)
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13 pages, 850 KB  
Article
NT-proBNP as a Predictive and Prognostic Biomarker for Complications in Hypertensive Pregnancy Disorders
by Diana Mocuta, Cristina Aur, Ioana Alexandra Zaha, Carmen Delia Nistor Cseppento, Liliana Sachelarie and Anca Huniadi
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(2), 519; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15020519 - 8 Jan 2026
Viewed by 678
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) remain a significant cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity worldwide. In some healthcare settings, access to angiogenic testing is limited, underscoring the need for affordable biomarkers to guide risk assessment. NT-proBNP, a marker of myocardial wall stress [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) remain a significant cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity worldwide. In some healthcare settings, access to angiogenic testing is limited, underscoring the need for affordable biomarkers to guide risk assessment. NT-proBNP, a marker of myocardial wall stress and cardio-renal dysfunction, may offer complementary prognostic value to the angiogenic sFlt-1/PlGF ratio. Methods: In this prospective multicenter observational study, we enrolled 180 pregnant women and categorized them into preeclampsia (PE, n = 95), non-PE HDP (gestational or chronic hypertension, n = 25), and healthy controls (n = 60). NT-proBNP and sFlt-1/PlGF levels were measured at enrollment, after 20 weeks of gestation, predominantly during the second and third trimesters. Associations with proteinuria, uric acid, creatinine, and maternal–fetal complications were examined using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for maternal age, BMI, and gestational age. Discrimination was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and the incremental value of NT-proBNP beyond the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was evaluated using ΔAUC and net reclassification improvement (NRI). Results: Median NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in PE compared with non-PE HDP and controls (p < 0.01). NT-proBNP ≥200 pg/mL independently predicted maternal–fetal complications (adjusted OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.41–6.90, p = 0.005) and correlated with proteinuria (r = 0.47), creatinine (r = 0.43), and uric acid (r = 0.40) (all p < 0.001). sFlt-1/PlGF alone yielded an AUC of 0.84 (95% CI 0.77–0.89), while NT-proBNP alone demonstrated an AUC of 0.78 (0.71–0.84). Combining both biomarkers improved discrimination (AUC 0.88, 95% CI 0.82–0.92), with a ΔAUC of 0.04 (p = 0.02) and a continuous NRI of 0.21 (p = 0.03). The 200 pg/mL threshold for NT-proBNP achieved 80% sensitivity and 71% specificity (p < 0.001). Conclusions: NT-proBNP provides independent and complementary prognostic value to the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in predicting maternal–fetal complications in HDP. A practical threshold of 200 pg/mL aids risk assessment, and integrating NT-proBNP into angiogenic models improves prediction. Further multicenter studies are needed to validate multimarker strategies and their cost-effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Preeclampsia)
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