Effect of smoking on cord blood concentrations of angiogenic factors

Abstract

Smoking is associated with numerous perinatal complications including IUGR, possibly by creating a hypoxic environment for the developing fetus. Tissue hypoxia generally regulates the production of angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placenta growth factor (PlGF). Previous studies have shown that VEGF concentrations are altered in cord blood from women with diabetes or preeclampsia and that high levels of PlGF are associated with an increase in prematurity-related complications.