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.