As an in vitro interplay was established between Nrf2 and VEGF [31], we hypothesized that severe early onset IUGR and preeclampsia could be associated with alterations in Nrf2 expression in the placental bed, particularly in the extravillous trophoblast, since it is well known that VEGF and its receptor VEGFR-1 (Flt-1) are expressed in these cells [32]. Here, FLT1 is linked to fetal growth restriction.