Objective: To explore the role of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (MCSF) in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
Methods: By ELISA method, MCSF concentrations were determined in serum samples obtained from 39 patients with preeclampsia and 40 normal pregnant women as controls. The concentrations of serum MCSF were compared between preeclampsia and normal pregnancy, and between early-onset and late-onset preeclampsia.
Result: Serum MCSF concentrations were significantly higher in preeclamptic women than those in controls (431.0 kIU compared with 179.1 kIU, P<0.001). There were no significant differences in serum MCSF levels between early-onset and late-onset preeclampsia (P>0.05). Serum MCSF was not correlated with maternal age, gestational age, and placenta weight (P>0.05 for all).
Conclusion: Increased level of serum MCSF is an important indicator of preeclampsia and it may play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease.