Endogenous maternal serum preimplantation factor levels in early-onset preeclamptic pregnancies

Abstract

Objective: Preimplantation factor (PIF) is a new peptide with many potential functions. We aimed to compare the maternal serum PIF levels among early preeclamptic patients with the healthy controls at the same gestational age. Patients and Methods: Thirty-nine early-onset preeclamptic (< 34 gestational weeks) patients and 45 healthy expecting women were included to our study. Patients with or suspicion of any chronical maternal disease, gestational diabetes, twin pregnancies, fetal or placental anomalies or any other obstetric complication have been excluded. Competitive ELISA has been used to analyze the PIF levels in the collected samples. Gestational age, maternal age, gravida, parity, fetal growth, BMI, maternal weight and height, plasma PIF levels have been collected/measured and analyzed in both groups. Results: The primary outcome of our study was that PIF was significantly higher in study group than the healthy controls (100.36 ± 41.92 vs. 83.14 ± 51.27. p=0.016). Conclusion: Preimplantation factor levels were statistically higher in the study group. PIF levels might have a role in the progression and pathogenesis of the preeclamptic patients. Further studies with larger groups have to be planned and performed to reveal the real relation between PIF and preeclampsia.