Changes in the maternal serum concentration of proearly placenta insulin-like growth factor peptides in normal vs abnormal pregnancy

Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate maternal serum pro–early placenta insulin like (proEPIL) levels during normal and pathologic pregnancy by using a newly developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, based on a monoclonal antibody designated EPIL15 and directed to the pro-EPIL C-chain 98-108 region. Study Design In a group of healthy pregnant women (n = 22), proEPIL peptide serum levels were measured longitudinally throughout gestation (8-12, 20-24, and 30-34 weeks). Serum proEPIL levels were measured in women with preterm labor (n = 24), intrauterine growth restriction (n = 27), and preeclampsia (n = 12). Results In healthy pregnant women, a significant rise of serum pro-EPIL levels (mean ± SEM) was observed during the third trimester of gestation (30.97 ± 2.978 ng/mL; P P P Conclusion These results showed that proEPIL secretion increases in the last trimester during normal pregnancy and is highly secreted in women with pathologic conditions.