Serum soluble human leukocyte antigen-G in pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia

The aim of this study was to investigate the maternal serum of soluble human leukocyte antigen G (sHLA-G) levels in pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia. Patients and methods: The study was conducted on 43 patients with pregnancy complicated by severe preeclampsia (the PRE group). The control group consisted of 30 healthy normotensive patients with singleton uncomplicated pregnancies (the C group). Maternal serum sHLA-G levels were calculated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in gravidity, parity, maternal age and height in patient profiles between groups. Maternal weight and BMI were lower in the control group. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly higher in the study group of preeclamptic pregnant women than in the control group. Maternal serum sHLA-G levels tended to be higher in pregnant women with pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. The mean values were 28.385 ± 23.257 Units/ml in preeclamptic patients and 21.20 ± 22.410 Units/ml in the healthy controls. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the increased levels of sHLA-G in maternal serum of preeclamptic women may play a significant role in the aetiology of this pregnancy specific disorder and may suggest the state of excessive inflammation and disturbed the feto-maternal immune balance in pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia.