Serum Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 in Normal Pregnant Women and Those with Pre-eclampsia

Background and Objective: Pre-eclampsia is characterized by hypertension, dyslipidemia, and increased systemic inflammatory response and has been associated with an increased maternal risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Endothelial dysfunction is thought to be a central pathogenic feature in pre-eclampsia on the basis of elevated adhesion molecules. The aim of the present study was to compare the level of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) in sera of normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we studied the serum level of sICAM-1in peripheral blood obtained from normal pregnant women (n = 40), mild pre-eclampsia (n = 37) and severe pre-eclampsia (n = 38). Concentration of soluble adhesion molecule was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Results: There was no difference in the mean plasma sICAM-1 between normal pregnant women and mild pre-eclamptic women. Serum concentration of sICAM-1 was significantly higher in severe pre-eclampsia (p < 0.05) than normal pregnancy. There was also significant differences in s ICAM- 1 levels between mild and severe pre-eclampsia (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 is increased in severe pre-eclampsia, and sICAM-1 may be useful in predicting the severity of pre-eclampsia.