Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026
Author Spotlight: Modeling an Aspect of Preeclampsia in Female Mice Using Hypoxic Human Placenta-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles
Published on: January 26, 2024
Altered Maternal Plasma Glycogen Phosphorylase Isoenzyme BB as a Biomarker for Preeclampsia and Small for Gestational
Fergus P McCarthy1, Aisling Doyle2, Ali S Khashan3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research (INFANT), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland Division of Women's Health, Women's Health Academic Centre, King's Health Partners, London, United Kingdom fergus.mccarthy@ucc.ie.
Insights
Maternal plasma glycogen phosphorylase BB (GPBB) levels were elevated in preeclampsia and small for gestational age (SGA) pregnancies. GPBB alone shows limited predictive value for these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Biomarkers in Pregnancy
Background:
- Preeclampsia and small for gestational age (SGA) are significant pregnancy complications.
- Identifying reliable biomarkers for early detection is crucial for improved maternal and fetal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate maternal plasma glycogen phosphorylase BB (GPBB) levels in early pregnancy and at diagnosis for preeclampsia and SGA.
- To assess the potential of GPBB as a predictive marker for these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Nested case-control studies were conducted within the SCOPE Ireland cohort.
- Maternal plasma GPBB levels were measured using ELISA at 15 and 20 weeks' gestation and at disease presentation.
- Samples were compared between women with preeclampsia/SGA and healthy controls matched for key demographic and clinical factors.
Main Results:
- Elevated GPBB levels were observed in preeclampsia at diagnosis and at 20 weeks' gestation compared to controls.
- SGA pregnancies showed higher GPBB levels at diagnosis but lower levels at 15 weeks' gestation.
- GPBB levels differed significantly between cases and controls at specific gestational time points.
Conclusions:
- Maternal plasma GPBB levels are altered in preeclampsia and SGA.
- GPBB alone demonstrates modest predictive capabilities for preeclampsia and SGA.
- Further research is warranted to explore GPBB in combination with other markers for enhanced predictive accuracy.
Objectives:
To investigate whether maternal plasma glycogen phosphorylase BB (GPBB) levels were altered in early pregnancy and/or at the time of diagnosis of disease in preeclampsia (term and preterm <37 weeks' gestation) or small for gestational age (SGA).
Methods:
We conducted 6 nested case-control studies within the Screening of Pregnancy Endpoint (SCOPE) Ireland cohort. Blood samples from women with preeclampsia or SGA were analyzed both from the time of disease presentation and at 15 and 20 weeks' gestation. These were compared with control samples obtained from SCOPE women with healthy uncomplicated pregnancies matched for age, ethnicity, parity, body mass index, and gestational age. Glycogen phosphorylase BB levels were measured using the Diacordon GPBB enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Diagenics, Germany).
Results:
Glycogen phosphorylase BB levels were higher in women with preeclampsia compared with controls at the time of disease (term preeclampsia median [interquartile range (IQR)]: 22.2 [15.1-39.8] ng/mL vs 16.9 [10.4-19.1] ng/mL; P = .04; N = 14 and preterm preeclampsia median [IQR]: 23.1 [11.2-30.9] ng/mL vs 17.2 [9.8-19.1] ng/mL; P = .04; N = 11) and at 20 weeks' gestation (median [IQR]: 23.0 [15.6-31.4] ng/mL vs 17.0 [13.4-23.6] ng/mL; N = 39; P = .04). Glycogen phosphorylase BB levels were also significantly higher in women with SGA compared with normal controls at the time of disease detection (median [IQR]: 22.7 [12.6-25.5] ng/mL vs 17.0 [9.8-18.0] ng/mL; N = 23; P = .03) but significantly less than controls at 15 weeks' gestation prior to disease detection (median [IQR]: 16.0 [12.1-23.2] ng/mL vs 22.2 [17.0-28.9] ng/mL; N = 25; P = .02).
Conclusion:
Glycogen phosphorylase BB alone has modest predictive abilities for the development of preeclampsia or SGA. Further research may examine its use in combination with other markers.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
01:20Inborn Errors of Metabolism