Relation between AT1 receptor agonistic autoantibodies and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia

Aims: Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1) has shown to be elevated in pregnant women with preeclampsia (PE) or IUGR. Recent studies have also demonstrated an autoantibody against the angiotensin AT1 receptor (AT1-AA) in these pregnancy complications. Both factors are discussed to be key players in the etiology of the disease. However, there is no information, whether these two circulating factors correlate and if their possible synergy may determine the severity of pathology. Methods: AT1-AA was determined by a functional bioassay and sFlt1 by an ELISA in second trimester pregnancies with normal (n=15) or…