Retinol-binding protein-4 is decreased in patients with preeclampsia in comparison with normal pregnant women

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4) levels in maternal and umbilical cord serum in patients in the third trimester of pregnancy with preeclampsia in comparison to levels in normal pregnant women. Methods: The RBP4 levels in maternal and umbilical cord serum were measured and compared by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 16 normal pregnant and 16 patients with preeclampsia. Results: Both maternal and umbilical cord serum RBP4 levels were significantly decreased in patients with preeclampsia, as compared to normal pregnant women (maternal serum, median 168.0 mu g/mL vs. 202.0 mu g/mL, P < 0.001; umbilical cord serum, median 147.9 mu g/mL vs. 193.0 mu g/mL, P < 0.001). Preeclampsia was independently related to RBP4 levels of maternal and umbilical cord serum. Conclusion: Both maternal and umbilical cord serum RBP4 levels were lower in patients with preeclampsia than in normal pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy.