
A Comparison of 2-Methoxyestradiol Value
in Women with Severe Preeclampsia
Versus Normotensive Pregnancy
QC35-QC38
Correspondence
Dr. John Wantania,
Department of Obstetric and Gynaecology, Sam Ratulangi University, Prof R.D. Kandou General Hospital,
Jalan Raya Tanawangko No 56, Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
E-mail: john_w_og@yahoo.com
Introduction: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria. Endothelial dysfunction is a major theory suggested as its aetiology. It is caused by antiangiogenic condition characterized by low Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). An estradiol metabolite, called 2-Methoxy Estradiol (2-ME), is produced with the help of Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT). This substance has an important role in VEGF expression. A 2-ME is suppressed in women with preeclampsia.
Aim: To compare 2-ME in women with severe preeclampsia and normotensive pregnancy.
Materials and Methods: A total of 80 subjects qualified the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were divided into two groups (40 each): the severe preeclampsia and the normotensive pregnancy. Blood sample was collected and examined with the ELISA 2-ME kit (Cayman). The data were compared and calculated using Fisher-Exact test to examine 2-ME differences between the two groups.
Results: Women age, parity, and gestational age showed a non significant difference between both groups. Nonetheless, the BMI before pregnancy and the history of preeclampsia in the past pregnancy showed significant differences. In this study, the 2-ME value was lower in the severe preeclampsia group compared to the normotensive.
Conclusion: This study concludes that 2-ME value in severe preeclampsia is lower than normotensive pregnancy. A lower 2-ME value may indicate COMT not producing enough 2-ME which in turn may cause the pre-eclampsia.