ABSTRACT
Pre-eclampsia carries statistically significant perinatal risk to both the mother and the fetus. HELLP syndrome is a complex disease process that is probably mediated by numerous factors. It appears that the immune system may play a role in its pathogenesis.Apoptosis or programmed cell death is a physiological process for normal development and reproductive function. It has been found to be involved in different inflammatory and immune disorders. The Fas-Fas ligand system is one of the best-studied death systems that can mediate apoptosis. Soluble Fas [sFas], a protein related to the tumor necrosis factor receptor family, protects cells from Fas mediated apoptosis by binding to Fas ligand preventing it from stimulating Fas receptor on the cell membranes and consequently inducing apoptosis. The objective of this work is to assess whether serum levels of soluble Fas, are altered in cases of pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. Results showed that serum soluble Fas was statistically higher in patients with HELLP syndrome compared to those with mild or severe pre-eclampsia with values of 12.7 +/- 1.1 u/ml, 7.1 +/- 1.1 u/ml and 8.1 +/- 1.3 respectively. Moreover, it was higher than normal control subjects with mean serum value of 6.1 +/- 0.4 u/ml