Alteration of serum endocan in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia

Endocan is a novel marker for inflammation but its significance in preeclampsia remains unknown.

The aims of this study were to delineate the changes of maternal endocan in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia and to explore its possible role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Blood samples were taken from 42 non-pregnant women, from 43 normal pregnant women at third trimester, and from 41 preeclamptic women. Serum endocan levels were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared among the groups.

There were no significant differences in serum endocan among non-pregnant women, normal pregnant women, and women with preeclampsia (X²= 2.207, p = 0.137) and there was no significant difference in serum endocan between women with mild and severe preeclampsia (Z= 0.368, p = 0. 713). The authors concluded that serum endocan did not change in pregnancy and preeclampsia, indicating endocan may not be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.