Changes in Maternal Leucine-Rich α-2 Glycoprotein Levels During Pregnancy: Comparison Between Preterm and Term Births

The goal of this study was to longitudinally assess the maternal serum leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein (LRG) level throughout pregnancy and the puerperium, and to explore its association with preterm birth (PTB).

A total of 37 pregnant women (17 with PTBs and 20 term births as controls) were enrolled in the retrospective study. Serum LRG levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at four time points: early, middle, and late pregnancy and puerperium. Placental histopathological examination was performed in selected cases to assess the presence of chorioamnionitis (CAM).

No significant differences in serum LRG levels were observed between the PTB and control groups during pregnancy, and LRG levels remained stable from early to middle pregnancy (p=0.55). In both groups, LRG levels increased significantly during puerperium compared with the corresponding values during pregnancy (p<0.001). Postpartum LRG levels were numerically higher in the PTB group than in the control group (192.5 ± 49.6 μg/mL vs. 163.9 ± 39.1 μg/mL), although the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.057). Among CAM-positive cases, LRG levels tended to be higher in the PTB group than in the controls (266.4 ± 12.8 μg/mL vs. 161.7 μg/mL; p=0.09).

Maternal LRG levels remained stable during pregnancy but increased postpartum, potentially reflecting peripartum inflammation. Maternal serum LRG levels did not differ significantly between preterm and term births. Further studies are required to clarify the significance of puerperal LRG levels.