Assessment of Apela-Apelin Receptor Ligand, Ela (ELABELA) Levels in Pregnant women with Gestational Complication

Background: Globally, maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality are still significantly influenced by prenatal problems such intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and preeclampsia (PE). According to recent research, the peptide Elabela is essential for placental vascularization, maternal cardiovascular adaption during pregnancy, and embryonic development. The pathophysiology of several illnesses has been linked to dysregulation of ELABELA expression. So, we aimed to determine serum ELABELA levels in pregnant women with Gestational complication. Methods: This case–control study was conducted at Zagazig University Hospitals and included 56 pregnant women, divided into two groups: Group I (patients): 28 pregnant ladies with gestational complications (PE, GDM, or IUGR). Group II (control): 28 pregnant ladies without complications. All participants underwent clinical assessment including anthropometric measurement and blood pressure measurement, routine laboratory investigations, and serum Elabela quantification. Results: Ladies with gestational complications exhibited significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure values and body weight compared to controls. Serum Elabela levels were significantly lower in patients with gestational complications than in healthy controls. A positive correlation was observed between Elabela levels and systolic and diastolic blood pressure values. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that serum Elabela had good predictive performance for distinguishing preeclampsia. Conclusion: Reduced serum Elabela levels are associated with gestational complications such as preeclampsia, GDM, and IUGR, supporting its potential utility as an early biomarker for predicting high-risk pregnancies and guiding timely intervention.