Urinary concentration of Cathepsin D as a relievable marker of preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: The early and accurate diagnosis of preeclampsia is crucial to avoid serious complications for both the mother and baby. However, the current diagnostic methods are limited, and there is a need for new diagnostic biomarkers. Previous studies have shown that cathepsin D (CTD) participates in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia and is present in urine samples, making it a potential biomarker for the disease. This study aimed to compare urinary and serum levels of CTD in preeclamptic and normotensive women and analyze its potential role as a diagnostic biomarker in preeclampsia. METHODS: The study included thirty-nine patients with preeclampsia and twelve normotensive pregnant women as controls. Biomarkers were determined using Multiplex Assay kit, and serum prolactin (Prl) and urinary TNF-α levels were also evaluated. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: We found that urinary and serum CTD levels were significantly higher in the preeclampsia group than in the normotensive group, suggesting that CTD could be a diagnostic biomarker for preeclampsia. No significant differences were found in the levels of serum prolactin or urinary TNF-α between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides evidence that non-invasive biological samples such as urine can be used to improve new therapeutic strategies for the early management of preeclampsia.

Randomized, open label, controlled clinical trial of oral administration of an egg albumin-based protein supplement to patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Malnutrition is highly prevalent in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and is a strong predictor of increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral administration of an egg albumin-based protein supplement on the nutritional status of CAPD patients. METHODS: In this randomized, open label, controlled clinical trial, 28 CAPD patients were allocated to a study (n = 13) or a control (n = 15) group. Both groups received conventional nutritional counseling; the study group received, additionally, an oral egg albumin-based supplement. During a 6-month follow-up, all patients had monthly clinical and biochemical evaluations and quarterly assessments of adequacy of dialysis and nutrition. RESULTS: Serum albumin Levels were not different between groups; however, a significant increase (baseline vs final) was observed in the study group (2.64+/-0.35 vs 3.05+/-0.72 g/dL) but not in the control group (2.66+/-0.56 vs 2.80+/-0.54 mg/dL). Calorie and protein intake increased more in the study group (calories 1331+/-432 vs 1872+/-698 kcal; proteins 1.0+/-0.3 vs 1.7+/-0.7 g/kg) than in the control group (calories 1423+/-410 vs 1567+/-381 kcal; proteins 1.0+/-0.4 vs 1.0+/-0.3 g/kg). Similarly, non-protein nitrogen appearance rate (nPNA) increased significantly more in the study (1.00+/-0.23 vs 1.18+/-0.35 g/kg/day) than in the control group (0.91+/-0.11 vs 0.97+/-0.14 g/kg/ day). Triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) and midarm muscle area (MAMA) displayed a nonsignificant trend to a greater increase in the study group (TSF 16.7+/-8.7 vs 18.3+/-10.7 mm; MAMA 23.8+/-6.2 vs 25.8+/-5.9 cm2) than in controls (TSF 16.4+/-5.7 vs 16.9+/-7.0 mm; MAMA 28.7+/-7.8 vs 30.0+/-7.9 cm2). At the end of follow-up, the frequency of patients with moderate or severe malnutrition decreased 6% in the control group and decreased 28% in the study group. At the final evaluation, the most important predictors of serum albumin were the oral egg albumin-based supplement administration and protein intake (p < 0.05); secondary predictors (p = 0.06) were peritoneal transport rate and MAMA. CONCLUSIONS: In the study group, oral administration of the egg albumin-based supplement significantly improved serum albumin, calorie and protein intake, and nPNA, and, compared to controls, this maneuver was associated with a trend to increased anthropometric parameters and improved Subjective Global Assessment evaluation. Oral administration of the albumin supplement and protein intake were the most significant predictors of serum albumin at the end of follow-up. This oral supplement may be a safe, effective, and cheap method to improve nutritional status in peritoneal dialysis patients.