Is PlGF a plaque growth factor?

摘要

The placental growth factor (PIGF) is a cysteine-knot protein, highly homologous to the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) Initially described in placenta, it was subsequently demonstrated to be expressed in other tissues, including the lung and heart. Circulating levels of PIGF are normally undetectable. However, increased PIGF levels have been described under several pathological conditions, including cancer, cutaneous wounds, bone fractures, sickle-cell disease, and atherosclerosis. In humans, the PIGF gene encodes four different isoforms (PlGF-1, -2, -3, and -4) that are generated by alternative splicing and differ in their binding affinities and secretion properties. In mice, PlGF-2 is the only isoform of PIGF.