OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the level of some placental parameters and their probable correlation with increased risk of preeclampsia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included a total of fifty women, including twenty five pregnant women with preeclampsia and twenty five normotensive pregnant females. The placental biomarkers studied at delivery included prostate specific antigen (PSA), 17-β estradiol (E2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), lipid peroxidation (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and trace elements (zinc, copper and calcium). RESULTS: A significant difference was recorded in placental PSA (p<0.002), E2 (p<0.012) and IL-6 (p<0.05) levels in preeclamptic women, compared to normotensive pregnant ones. In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between placental PSA with IL-6 and E2. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated increased placental PSA and reduced E2 and IL-6 levels as PE-associated biomarkers. Furthermore, the recorded correlation between placental PSA and E2 may represent a new understanding in PE pathogenesis.
