Circulating endothelial cell adhesion molecule E-selectin in pre-eclampsia: relationship to its severity

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to demonstrate the role of cell adhesion molecule E-selectin in preeclampsia and to asses if there are changes in its level with varying degrees of preeclampsia. Serum E- selectin concentration was measured in ten healthy normotensive pregnant women [group one], 20 cases with mild preeclampsia [group two] and 20 cases with severe preeclampsia [group three] in late third trimester of pregnancy. E-selectin concentrations were significantly higher in the preeclampsia groups compared with the control group. On the other hand, its concentrations were higher in severe than mild preeclampsia [53.74 + 24.82 and 65.60 + 37.57 ng/ml, respectively] but the difference did not reach a statistical significance. Within the preeclampsia subgroups, serum concentration of E-selectin was higher in severe cases exhibiting fetal growth retardation compared with mild preeclampsia. There was a significant positive correlation between E- selectin concentrations and diastolic blood pressure in severe preeclampsia group. It was concluded that the elevated levels of E- selectin in pregnant women with preeclampsia supported the concept of a primary endothelial cell involvement in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Measurement of this adhesion molecule may be useful in monitoring pregnancies with respect to the development of preeclampsia