Serum Neuropeptide FFR2 is increased in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and associated with pregnancy outcomes

Objectives: NPFFR2 is a biomarker produced by the placenta during pregnancy and is thought to be associated with in various physiological processes, including pain modulation, opioid receptor regulation, and cardiovascular function. Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a major public health concern due to its links with cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Consequently, timely diagnosis and efficient management of PE are essential for both maternal and neonatal health. This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of neuropeptide FFR2 (NPFFR2), echocardiographic evaluation results, and pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with and without PE. Methods: This is a prospective case-control study. It included 94 pregnant participants who applied to Manisa City Hospital between October 2021 to January 2023 and were grouped into women with PE (n = 47) and those without PE (n = 47). Biochemical and NPFFR2 analyses were performed using the blood samples collected from all participants, along with echocardiography and 24 hours. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant Results: The study group comprised 94 pregnant women with a mean age of 29.2 years and mean gestational age of 27.6 weeks. The preeclampsia group had a significantly higher NPFFR2 levels, lower gestational age at birth and higher all 24-hours ABPM findings. The left atrial-to-aortic ratio and right ventricle myocardial performance index were significantly higher and EA ratio was significantly lower in the preeclampsia group than in the control group. NPFFR2, gestational age at birth, LDL cholesterol, and body mass index were found to be independently associated with neonatal intensive care unit admission. Conclusions: The women with PE presented with increased serum NPFFR2 levels and the prognosis of pregnancy was associated with NPFFR2 levels.