AIM:It was previously reported that the ratio of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) to placental growth factor (PlGF) can predict the clinical onset of preeclampsia. This study seeks to validate the association between ratios of sFlt-1/PlGF with preeclampsia and to identify the contribution of ethnicity across diverse populations of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. METHODS:Pregnant women were classified into those with preeclampsia (nâ=â136) and healthy controls (nâ=â350). Serum levels of sFlt-1 and PlGF were quantified using a Roche serum instrument in both patients and controls. RESULTS:Compared to healthy controls, women with preeclampsia had significantly higher levels of sFlt-1 (7303.81âpg/ml vs. 2508.69âpg/ml, pâ<â.001) and ratios of sFlt-1/PlGF (241.68 vs. 14.29, pâ<â.001), whereas levels of PIGF were decreased (241.68 vs. 14.29, pâ<â.001). These three values varied greatly across nationalities, and non-Han Chinese subjects (including Uygur, Kazak, Hui) were more likely to experience severe preeclampsia than Han Chinese subjects. CONCLUSIONS:This is the first study to demonstrate that the ratio of sFlt-1/PlGF can both predict and serve as a diagnostic factor for preeclampsia in pregnant women from different populations within the Xinjiang region of China.
KEYWORDS: PlGF, multi-ethnic, preeclampsia, sFlt-1