Elevated serum cathepsin B concentration in pregnant women is associated with preeclampsia.
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.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, KangDong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University, #150 Seongnae-gil, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, 134-701, Republic of Korea. shinbi7873@gmail.com.
Ho Yeon
HY
Kim
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, KangDong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University, #150 Seongnae-gil, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, 134-701, Republic of Korea.
Bo Wook
BW
Kim
Department of Internal Medicine, KangDong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Yoon Jung
YJ
Kim
D000328:Adult; D002401:Cathepsin B / Q000097:blood*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy
C533912:CTSB protein, human; D002401:Cathepsin B
Cathepsin B; Cathepsin D; Preeclampsia