Changes in Maternal Leucine-Rich α-2 Glycoprotein Levels During Pregnancy: Comparison Between Preterm and Term Births

INTRODUCTION: The goal of this study was to longitudinally assess the maternal serum leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein (LRG) level throughout pregnancy and the puerperium, and to explore its association with preterm birth (PTB). METHODS: A total of 37 pregnant women (17 with PTBs and 20 term births as controls) were enrolled in the retrospective study. Serum LRG levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at four time points: early, middle, and late pregnancy and puerperium. Placental histopathological examination was performed in selected cases to assess the presence of chorioamnionitis (CAM). RESULTS: No significant differences in serum LRG levels were observed between the PTB and control groups during pregnancy, and LRG levels remained stable from early to middle pregnancy (p=0.55). In both groups, LRG levels increased significantly during puerperium compared with the corresponding values during pregnancy (p