Elevated serum cathepsin B concentration in pregnant women is associated with preeclampsia

Abstract

To compare the circulating levels of cathepsins B and D in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancies. Seventy-two pregnant patients were enrolled in this study. Of the 72 pregnant patients, 25 were preeclamptic and 47 patients were normotensive. Serum levels of soluble cathepsins B and D were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Cathepsin B levels were significantly higher in preeclamptic women than normotensive pregnant women (125.9 vs. 41.9 ng/mL; p = 0.013). The serum levels of cathepsin D were lower in preeclamptic women, but the differences were not significant (129.3 vs. 200.9 ng/mL; p = 0.077). However, cathepsin B and D levels were not correlated with severity of preeclampsia and small for gestational age. The serum levels of cathepsin D were inversely correlated with uric acid in preeclamptic patients (r = -0.527; p = 0.03). The serum levels of cathepsin B levels were increased significantly in preeclamptic women. Correlation with severity of preeclampsia needs further investigation to clarify the role of cathepsin B.