Maternal serum apelin-13 levels in early- and late-onset preeclampsia

To assess whether alterations in maternal serum apelin-13 levels differ between early-onset preeclampsia (EO-PE) and late-onset preeclampsia (LO-PE).

A prospective case-control study included 90 preeclamptic cases and 90 normotensive healthy pregnant women as controls. Preeclampsia cases were subclassified as EO-PE and LO-PE. Blood samples were collected, centrifuged, and the separated serum was stored at -80°C for further testing. Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid blood was used for complete blood count. Serum sample was used for analysis of biochemical parameters. Maternal serum apelin-13 concentrations were measured using ELISA. Demographic details and fetal outcomes were recorded.

Results indicated significantly lower gestational age at sampling and delivery in preeclampsia cases. Blood pressure (systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure) was elevated in preeclampsia. Maternal serum apelin-13 levels (261.7±110.6 pg/mL) were significantly reduced in preeclamptic cases compared to controls (575.3±164.7 pg/mL). Adverse fetal outcomes were more prevalent in preeclampsia. Regarding EO-PE and LO-PE, gestational age at sampling and delivery was lower in EO-PE compared to LO-PE. Maternal serum apelin-13 levels (371.3±116.0 pg/mL) were higher in EO-PE. A 40.9% reduction in apelin-13 levels was observed in LO-PE compared to EO-PE, indicating a gradual reduction in apelin-13 levels in preeclampsia. Adverse fetal outcomes, such as birth weight (1.8±0.5 kg), were lower, and other adverse outcomes were higher in EO-PE compared to LO-PE.

Circulating serum apelin-13 concentration was reduced in preeclampsia and was higher in EO-PE than in LO-PE. Apelin-13 serves as a potential indicator for discriminating early-onset preeclampsia.