Evaluation of serum cathepsin B, D, and L concentrations in women with late-onset preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess serum cathepsin B, D, and L concentrations in women with late-onset preeclampsia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred forty pregnant women were enrolled in the study, of which 100 subjects were preeclamptic and 40 were healthy controls. Serum concentrations of cathepsin B, D, and L were measured and compared between the preeclamptic and control groups. RESULTS: Cathepsin B and D concentrations were significantly higher in the preeclamptic group compared with the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of cathepsin L concentrations. Cathepsin B concentrations were significantly higher in women with preeclampsia with severe features compared with those with preeclampsia alone. CONCLUSION: Women with late-onset preeclampsia have significantly higher serum cathepsin B and D concentrations than controls. Cathepsin B and D may be promising biomarkers in women with late-onset preeclampsia.