Definition of Placental growth factor

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Placental growth factor: A type of vascular endothelial growth factor. Placental growth factor is expressed not only in placental cells but also many nonplacental cells including endothelial cells (that line blood vessels). The gene that encodes placental growth factor is in chromosome region 14q24-q31.

Placental growth factor is a molecular marker for inflammation. In patients with acute chest pain, a high blood level of placental growth factor predicts a poor prognosis (outlook).

Abbreviated as PIGF, PGF, or PLGF.