Abstract: Pregnancy is a complex physiological process. The placenta is the bridge between maternal and child and plays an important role in the growth and development of the fetus and change on maternal physiological function which regulates maternal and child circulation through nutrition, metabolism, exchange, endocrine and other functions. Normal development and physiological function of placenta are the preconditions to maintain pregnancy and fetal growth and development. Placental formation and dysfunction are closely related to the occurrence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), fetal growth restriction (FGR), abortion and Down′s syndrome (DS). Placental growth factor (PlGF) is an important growth factor which is richly expressed in placenta and has high homology with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). PlGF is mainly secreted by trophoblast cells and villi interstitial endothelial cells and plays an important role in the proliferation, activation of trophoblast cells and the formation of fetal-placental vascular network. Therefore, in-depth study of PlGF is of great significance for etiological research and clinical monitoring on placenta formation abnormality related diseases.

Key words: Placental growth factor, Placenta, Vascular endothelial growth factors, Hypertension, pregnancy-induced, Fetal growth restriction, Fetal distress, Abortion