I chose the article explaining how the presence of high levels of a certain protein may be

linked to preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is defined as a spike in blood pressure in pregnant women

that can lead to many complications including premature births and even death, it’s dangerous
for both the mother and fetus. The article states that the protein that may cause this issue is
known as HtrA1. How these protein levels affect the stages of pregnancy isn’t known, but a
theory is that its molecules activate abnormal growth due to its insulin-like growing factors
binding proteins (1). It has yet to be proven that this protein is the direct cause of this pregnancy
complication, but based on the scientist’s observations this data is encouraging.
I do believe they did things correctly by monitoring the level of these proteins in the
placenta of several different pregnant women. The scientists involved in this study simply test
the HtrA1 levels and determine if the pregnancy is in danger and categorize them as normal,
mild, or severe preeclampsia based on the results (1). During the experiment, scientists used
blood pressure as the constant variable to study, so the subjects did not include patients with
underlying diseases that would alter this factor, such as diabetes (1). Another experiment they
should’ve done though is an attempt to lower the amount of the HtrA1 protein in a woman who
has preeclampsia, preferably if it’s a mild case. If lowering the protein slows the disease or gets
rid of it completely, then their research will be proven.
The article suggests that if they create a blood test that detects the level of this particular
protein, doctors would be able to manage preeclampsia situations if it isn’t too severe (1). How
long would it take to create a test like this? Well, other than that hopeful test development, the
only other way to treat this disease is to deliver the baby, so it’s definitely a complicated illness
to deal with. If early delivery is requisite to prevent the worsening of preeclampsia, the mother
may receive medicines to help trigger labor, or a C-section may be performed (2). I think that the
possibility of creating a prediction blood test is a good thing because it should help prevent the
disease from worsening. If doctors could detect that the woman was at risk, they could keep a
close monitoring on her situation and keep her blood pressure controlled with medication (2).
Why hasn’t this research continued or a test been made? Perhaps it’s difficult to create
something that specifically targets this protein. Or maybe science is afraid to interfere with this
protein due to its invasive nature. During the first trimester of pregnancy this protein can be
healthy, it does establish growth of placenta in the uterus (1). Considering the pros and cons of
this specific protein, altering it may prove bad in the end. I do believe the article was well
written, but they should’ve included further detail on the target protein itself.

Works Cited:
1. http://psychcentral.com/news/archives/2006-02/mc-rdl012506.html
2. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000898.htm