Medicine
Endothelial Dysfunction in Preeclampsia and Therapeutic Targets
Quick fact
In preeclampsia, the placenta produces excessive amounts of a protein called sFlt-1 that 'soaks up' VEGF, starving the mother's blood vessel lining and causing widespread dysfunction.
Why this is interesting
Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal death worldwide, yet its cause was a mystery for centuries. Now, we know it begins in the placenta but wreaks havoc on blood vessels everywhere.