Abstract: Disclosed are specific biomarkers that allow for early testing of preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome. Thus, a method is provided predicting preeclampsia in a pregnant woman. Also disclosed is a kit comprising means for assaying a sample from a pregnant woman for the concentrations of the specific biomarkers.

Abstract: Disclosed are specific biomarkers that allow for early testing of preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome. Thus, a method is provided predicting preeclampsia in a pregnant woman. Also disclosed is a kit comprising means for assaying a sample from a pregnant woman for the concentrations of the specific biomarkers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the biological and pharmacological effects of placental protein 13 (PP-13), an effect that may be used as a treatment and/or prevention of preeclampsia and placental insufficiencies, in pregnant female mammals, especially pregnant women. The invention relates to a method to treat female mammals with the purpose to precondition the uterine arteries and prevent and/or reverse the pathological conditions associated with placental insufficiency such as preeclampsia, HELLP and/or eclampsia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the biological and pharmacological effects of placental protein 13 (PP-13), an effect that may be used as a treatment and/or prevention of preeclampsia and placental insufficiencies, in pregnant female mammals, especially pregnant women. The invention relates to a method to treat female mammals with the purpose to precondition the uterine arteries and prevent and/or reverse the pathological conditions associated with placental insufficiency such as preeclampsia, HELLP and/or eclampsia.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing pregnancy-related complications in a pregnant woman is provided. The method includes the following steps: (a) determining the level of Placental Protein 17 (PP17) in a bodily substance obtained from the pregnant woman; and (b) comparing the determined level of PP17 to a standard level of PP17, a significant modification in the level of PP17 indicating the existence of a pregnancy-related complication in the pregnant woman. A diagnostic kit is also described.

Abstract: A method of monitoring tocolytic therapy in a pregnant woman. The method comprises determining a first concentration of placental protein 13 (PP13) in a bodily substance of a woman who has not received treatment with a tocolytic agent, determining a second concentration of PP13 in a bodily substance of the pregnant woman after initiation of treatment with a tocolytic agent, and comparing the second concentration with the first concentration. Based on the comparison, it may be determined whether to continue, discontinue, or modify the tocolytic treatment.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing pregnancy-related complications in a pregnant woman is provided. The method includes (a) providing a membrane phospholipid suspension; (b) exposing a first portion of the suspension to standard PP13; (c) exposing a second portion of the suspension to PP13 obtained from the woman; (d) measuring the production of prostaglandins in (b) and (c); and (e) comparing the amounts of prostaglandins produced in (b) and (c), a change in the amount of prostaglandins of (c) as compared to the amount of prostaglandins in (b) indicating the existence of a pregnancy-related complication in the woman.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing pregnancy-related complications in a pregnant woman. The method comprises (a) providing PP13-responding cells having a membrane; (b) exposing the cells to standard PP13; (c) exposing PP13-responding cells to PP13 obtained from the woman, and (d) determining the existence of a modification in the permeability of the cell membrane in (b) and in (c) as a result of exposure to PP13. The modification in permeability in (b) and (c) is then compared, a change in the permeability of (c) as compared to the permeability in (b) indicating the existence of a pregnancy complication in the woman.

Abstract: A method of monitoring tocolytic therapy in a pregnant woman. The method comprises determining a first concentration of placental protein 13 (PP13) in a bodily substance of a woman who has not received treatment with a tocolytic agent, determining a second concentration of PP13 in a bodily substance of the pregnant woman after initiation of treatment with a tocolytic agent, and comparing the second concentration with the first concentration. Based on the comparison, it may be determined whether to continue, discontinue, or modify the tocolytic treatment.

Abstract: A method for determining the risk of a mother of a fetus to develop preeclampsia during pregnancy comprising: (a) providing a sample of genomic DNA from an individual related to the fetus; (b) analyzing the DNA for the presence of one or more mutations in the PP13 gene; and (c) determining the risk of the mother on the basis of the presence of the mutations. Also disclosed are mutated PP13 protein variants, and a kit for use in the method of the invention comprising DNA probes for specific genomic sequences of the PP13 native gene and/or mutated sequences thereof.

Abstract: A method for determining the effectiveness of a treatment for preeclampsia of a pregnant woman at risk for preeclampsia, the method comprising: (a) determining a first concentration of placental protein 13 (PP13) in a bodily substance of the woman obtained prior to the treatment; (b) determining a second concentration of PP13 in a bodily substance of the woman obtained after initiation of the treatment; and (c) comparing the first and second concentrations to a corresponding normal level of PP13 and, based on the comparison, determining the effectiveness of the treatment. Diagnostic kits for practicing the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing pregnancy-related complications in a pregnant woman. The method comprises (a) providing PP13-responding cells having a membrane; (b) exposing the cells to standard PP13; (e) exposing PP13-responding cells to PP13 obtained from the woman, and (d) determining the existence of a modification in the permeability of the cell membrane in (b) and in (c) as a result of exposure to PP13. The modification in permeability in (b) and (c) is then compared, a change in the permeability of (c) as compared to the permeability in (b) indicating the existence of a pregnancy complication in the woman.