Decreased placental growth factor levels precede the onset of gestational diabetes mellitus: Insights into placental dysfunction and endothelial pathophysiology

Aims

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia (PE) are obstetric complications that share common pathophysiological features involving endothelial dysfunction. Previous studies suggest that GDM increases PE risk. While the roles of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) are well-established in PE, their involvement in GDM remains unclear. To address this gap, we conducted a retrospective cohort study measuring serum levels of sFlt-1, PlGF, and their ratio before the diagnosis of GDM.

Methods

This study analyzed 830 pregnant women who underwent serum sFlt-1 and PlGF measurements between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation. GDM diagnosis was performed between approximately 22 - 28 weeks of gestation using a 75g OGTT, and patients were classified into GDM and control groups.

Results

PlGF levels were significantly lower in the GDM group than in the control group (median values: 231 vs. 260 pg/mL, p = 0.05). Conversely, no statistically significant differences were observed between the GDM and control groups in terms of serum sFlt-1 levels and the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that PlGF may play a crucial role in GDM pathophysiology and that an imbalance between sFlt-1 and PlGF may be more pronounced in severe GDM.