PGF and endothelial dysfunction: Then, sFlt-1 binds to free placental growth factor (PlGF) or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (proangiogenic factors) with high affinity, thus preventing their interaction with their cell-surface receptors (i.e., the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGR-1)) on the endothelial cells, leading to endothelial dysfunction and, subsequently, to systemic inflammation [14].