Maternal serum mannose-binding lectin in severe preeclampsia

Abstract

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the level of serum mannose-binding lectin (MBL) in severe preeclamptic patients, women with uncomplicated pregnancies, and healthy reproductive-age females and its impact on gestational age at delivery and birth weight. Methods: Serum MBL levels were measured in 27 severe preeclampsia patients (Group 1), 27 patients with uncomplicated pregnancies (Group 2), and 25 healthy reproductive-age women (Group 3). Results: The mean serum MBL was significantly higher (p <= 0.05) in Group 1 than in Groups 2 and 3, while the levels in Groups 2 and 3 did not significantly differ. The mean gestational age at delivery and mean birth weight were significantly lower in Group 1. In Group 1, serum MBL was negatively correlated (p <= 0.05) with the gestational age at delivery and birth weight. Conclusion: Serum MBL increased in preeclampsia and was negatively correlated with the gestational age at birth and birth weight, indicating an underlying immunopathogenesis.