The role of biomarkers in early prediction and molecular mechanisms of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is determined as high blood pressure during pregnancy and proteinuria of 300 mg or more in a 24-hour urine sample. PE is a leading cause of maternal death, with about 55000 deaths worldwide each year. Toxic substances that damage the maternal vascular endothelium induced PE, resulting in liver and kidney malfunction. It is crucial for obstetricians to identify as early as possible the patients who are at risk for PE. Familial history of PE, polycystic ovarian disease, sleeping disorders, urinary infections, periodontal disease, smoking, and lifestyle are the major risk factors involved in this disease. VEGF, sFlt1, sENG, PAPP-A, inhibin A and activin A proteins, fetal hemoglobin, heat shock protein and placental protein have been shown to predict or diagnose PE and help in understanding the pathogenesis of PE. In addition, a better understanding of PE pathogenesis would aid in identifying the most effective treatments that do not impair the fetus’ prognosis. The aim of our study is a review of the pathophysiology and biomarkers, such as pro- and anti-angiogenic substances, that may be useful in the detection of PE in the future