Low-dose aspirin increases 15-epi-lipoxins A in pregnancies at high-risk for developing preeclampsia.

Background: LDA triggers biosynthesis of endogenous anti-inflammatory molecules, aspirin-triggered 15-epi-lipoxin A (15-epi-LXA), which may counteract inflammatory process of preeclampsia (PE), and play role in LDA's mechanism of action in PE prevention in high-risk patients.

Objective: Investigate the effects of daily LDA on levels of 15-epi-LXA in pregnancies at high-risk for developing PE.

Materials And Methods: Secondary analysis of multi-centered randomized controlled trial investigating effects of daily LDA (60 mg) in high-risk pregnancies. Maternal samples were drawn at three points: before LDA initiation (13-26 weeks' gestation), 24-28 weeks' gestation (at least two weeks after LDA) and 34-36 weeks' gestation. 15-epi-LXA levels were measured by ELISA.

Results: Analysis included 82 patients: 63 receiving daily LDA and 29 receiving daily placebo starting between 13 and 25 weeks gestation. Prior to randomization, baseline 15-epi-LXA levels were similar between both groups (75.9 pg/mL [IQR; 63.8-114.0] vs 136.2 pg/mL [52.4-476.2]; p = 0.10). Patients receiving daily LDA were noted to have significantly increased levels of 15-epi-LXA after LDA administration (136.2 pg/mL [IQR; 52.4-476.2] vs 1758.2 pg/mL [905.4-6638.5]; p < 0.001). They also had higher 15-epi-LXA levels compared to those receiving placebo at 24-28 weeks' (50.3 [38.1-94.2] vs 1758.2 [905.4-6638.5]; p < 0.001 and 34-38 weeks' gestation (57.9 [41.9-76.7] vs 2310.3 pg/mL [656.9-10609.4]; p < 0.001). After LDA administration in the second trimester, patients who developed PE had decrease in 15-epi-LXA levels compared to those without PE (942 pg/mL [348.3-1810.3] vs 1758.2 pg/mL [905.4-6638.5]; p = 0.129).

Conclusion: Daily LDA administration increases 15-epi-LXA levels in high-risk pregnancies for PE. In LDA group, pregnancies complicated by PE have lower levels of 15-epi-LXA compared to pregnancies without PE.