Urinary concentration of Cathepsin D as a relievable marker of preeclampsia

• DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2024.101116
• Publication Date: 2024-02-25T15:53:21Z
• Authors: Rafael Arredondo-...; Maritza G. Verdug...; Marco Ku Centurion; Rosendo Benavides...; Jose F. Lopez-Rojas; Ricardo Gonzalez-...; Jose A. Espinoza-...; Jorge Gutierrez-C...; Laura Cortes Sana...; Zesergio Melo
• Keywords: Adult; Young Adult; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Case-Control Studies; Humans; Female; Cathepsin D; Biomarkers; Prolactin

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.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.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.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.