Serum visinin-like protein-1 levels in preeclampsia: a cross-sectional pilot study

BACKGROUND: To evaluate serum Visinin-like protein-1 (VILIP-1) levels in normotensive pregnant women and in patients with preeclampsia across the severity spectrum, and to investigate the association between VILIP-1 levels and disease severity. METHODS: In this prospective cross-sectional pilot study, a total of 60 pregnant women were allocated into three groups: normotensive controls (n = 20), preeclampsia without severe features (n = 20), and preeclampsia with severe features (n = 20). Baseline clinical and laboratory characteristics were recorded. Serum VILIP-1 levels were measured and compared among groups. Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric tests with adjustment for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Baseline demographic and obstetric characteristics were comparable among groups. Gestational age at delivery and neonatal birth weight were significantly lower in the preeclampsia with severe features group. Markers of hepatic and renal dysfunction were significantly elevated in this group, whereas hematological parameters did not differ significantly. Serum VILIP-1 levels were significantly higher in patients with preeclampsia with severe features compared with both normotensive pregnant women and those with preeclampsia without severe features (24.75 ± 18.27 ng/mL vs. 10.23 ± 7.98 ng/mL and 7.91 ± 4.97 ng/mL, respectively; adjusted p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Serum VILIP-1 levels are significantly increased in preeclampsia with severe features and appear to be associated with disease severity and maternal organ involvement. These findings suggest that VILIP-1 may reflect disease severity rather than serving as a diagnostic biomarker; however, larger prospective studies are warranted to clarify its clinical utility.