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Soluble endoglin as a second-trimester marker for preeclampsia.
Christopher J Robinson1, Donna D Johnson
1Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|August 11, 2007
Summary
Soluble endoglin (sEng) is elevated in the second trimester of pregnancy for women who later develop severe preeclampsia. This biomarker may aid in early detection of preeclampsia risk.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Obstetrics
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication.
- Early detection of preeclampsia risk is crucial for maternal and fetal well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure soluble endoglin (sEng) levels in second-trimester maternal serum.
- To determine if sEng concentrations differ between women who develop preeclampsia and those with normal pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from women who developed severe preeclampsia (n=48) and normal pregnancies (n=56) were analyzed.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify sEng concentrations.
- Maternal and gestational ages were comparable between groups.
Main Results:
- Women who developed severe preeclampsia had significantly higher sEng levels (6.19 +/- 2.1 ng/mL) compared to women with normal pregnancies (5.00 +/- 1.0 ng/mL, P = .02).
- Preeclamptic pregnancies were associated with earlier delivery, smaller infant size, and higher mean arterial pressure.
- No significant differences in maternal or gestational age at sampling were observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- Elevated second-trimester maternal serum sEng is associated with the subsequent development of severe preeclampsia.
- sEng may serve as a potential biomarker for identifying pregnancies at risk for preeclampsia.
