NEUTROPHIL ACTIVATION IN PREECLAMPSIA - ARE DEFENSINS AND LACTOFERRINELEVATED IN PREECLAMPTIC PATIENTS

OBJECTIVE: To determine if human defensins and lactoferrin, both marke rs of neutrophil activation, are elevated in preeclamptic plasma. STUD Y DESIGN: Blood samples were obtained from 18 preeclamptic and 29 norm al pregnant women in the third trimester. Demographic and clinical dat a were obtained from the medical record. No patient had evidence of la bor and/or infection when blood was drawn. Preeclamptic patients were defined by elevated blood pressure, 140/90 mm Hg, proteinuria of > 300 mg in a 24-hour collection and hyperuricemia. Human defensins and lac toferrin were measured by enzyme immunoassay of plasma samples diluted 1:100 and 1:10, respectively. Standard curve values ranged from 0.25 to 16 ng/mL. Data for human defensins and lactoferrin are presented as median values a SE. Statistical analysis included Student's t test fo r comparison of clinical data, Mann-Whitney U test for comparison of a bsolute values between groups and Fisher's exact test, when appropriat e. RESULTS: There was no difference in age or estimated gestational ag e between the two groups. There were more nulliparous patients in the preeclamptic group. Human defensin levels were significantly elevated (P = .005) in plasma of preeclamptic patients (25.1 ng/mL +/- 16.2) as compared to normal controls (9.0 ng/mL +/- 8.9). Nine of 18 (50%) pre eclamptic patients and 2 of 29 (7%) normal controls had defensin level s above the low point on the standard curve (P = .001). There was no d ifference in lactoferrin levels between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Ou r results suggest that preeclampsia is associated with neutrophil acti vation. The biologic effect of elevated human defensins in preeclampti c plasma remains to be determined.