Bioactive proteins in healthy pregnancies and preeclampsia: relevance to hypertension and proteinuria.

Background: Bioactive proteins, such as cytokines and chemokines, have not been systematically evaluated in healthy and preeclamptic pregnancies. We aimed to investigate the difference of these proteins between healthy and preeclamptic pregnancies in order to help clarify their potential roles in the pathogenesis of hypertension and proteinuria in preeclampsia.

Methods: Samples of amniotic fluid and maternal/umbilical cord blood were collected from normal pregnancies and women with preeclampsia for examination of bioactive proteins.

Proteins in leaked amniotic fluid as biomarkers diagnostic for prelabor rupture of membranes.

Purpose: Early diagnosis of prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) is essential to protect mother and fetus from intra-uterus infection and preterm birth. A simple and rapid bedside test would help clinicians confirm the diagnosis for early treatment.

Experimental Design: A protein array was used to screen cervical-vaginal fluid (CVF) and amniotic fluid (AF) samples collected from normal and PROM pregnant women.