Serum Levels of Inhibin B, Unlike Inhibin A and Activin A, Are Not Altered in Women with Preeclampsia

Abstract
PROBLEM: To investigate whether inhibin A, inhibin B, and activin A serum levels are altered in women with preeclampsia. METHOD OF STUDY: Serum samples of 20 women with preeclampsia (study group) and 20 normotensive pregnant women, matched for maternal and gestational age and parity, were assayed for inhibin A, inhibin B and activin A by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Median serum concentrations of inhibin A and activin A were significantly higher among women with preeclampsia than in women with normotensive pregnancies, while inhibin B levels were comparable in both groups. Activin A levels were positively correlated with those of inhibins A and B, and inhibin A levels were positively correlated with diastolic blood pressure and inhibin B concentration in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: Inhibin A and activin A, but not inhibin B, serum levels are markedly increased in women with preeclampsia. These hormones might serve as an endocrine marker for preeclampsia.

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