The potential of SCUBE-1 levels as a biomarker for placental malfunction in preeclampsia

Abstract

Purpose The aim of the study is to compare the plasma levels of SCUBE-1, a marker of vascular injury and endothelial dysfunction, between preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women. Methods The current study was carried out at Health Sciences University Adana City Training and Research Hospital, implementing a prospective research design. The study included 46 pregnancies diagnosed with preeclampsia and an equal number of pregnancies with normal blood pressure, serving as control subjects. Results There were no statistically significant differences observed in age, gravidity, parity, or BMI as demographic features among the groups. A significant increase in the concentrations of SCUBE-1 levels was observed in pregnancies that presented with preeclampsia (p < 0.001). Conclusions The potential of SCUBE-1 as a prognostic indicator for vascular damage in pregnancy is worth considering. Our research is the initial investigation to demonstrate elevated levels of SCUBE-1 in preeclampsia, indicating impaired function of the endothelial cells in the placenta.