Objectives: Preeclampsia remains a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide, with an increased risk of
cardiovascular disease later in life. Many previous studies have examined several biomarkers. We aimed to assess the role
of Split and hairy-related protein-1 (SHARP1) together with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) as biomarkers for the
detection of preeclampsia.
Materials and Methods: This case-control study included 150 pregnant women, 75 healthy women and 75 with
preeclampsia, who were recruited for delivery during the third trimester of pregnancy and subjected to full clinical and
laboratory testing. This testing included compete blood analysis, and plasma SHARP1 and HIF-1α measurement using
ELISA. The main outcome was the association of SHARP1 and HIF-1α with preeclampsia.
Results: A significant decrease in SHARP1 (P < 0.0001) and a significant increase in HIF-1α (P < 0.0001) were observed
in patients versus the controls. The SHARP1 and HIF-1α levels were independent indicators of preeclampsia after
adjusting for maternal age, body mass index, and parity (the odds ratio for SHARP1 was 0.04, 95% confidence interval
0.321–0.791; P < 0.0001, and the OR for HIF-1α was 30.222, 95% CI 6.219 – 146.877; P < 0.0001).
Conclusion: SHARP1 and HIF-1α may have be used as biomarkers for the proper recognition of preeclampsia. The
synergistic actions of SHARP1 and HIF-1α might play a key role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Larger studies are
likely to help verify the data and justify the wider application of these markers.