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Biomarker may flag early pregnancy risk

A protein was linked experimentally to trophoblast invasion.

  • By

  • Andrea Surnit

  • September 4, 2026

  • 4 min

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  • 1

    Low maternal serum isthmin-2 levels in the first trimester may indicate increased risk of preeclampsia or fetal growth restriction.

  • 2

    The study analyzed samples from 3 prospective pregnancy cohorts, including 4,512 nulliparous patients with singleton pregnancies.

  • 3

    At approximately 12 weeks, low ISM2 was the strongest signal associated with preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and composite outcomes.

  • 4

    Lower ISM2 levels at 12 weeks correlated with greater uterine artery resistance at 20 weeks among cases but not controls.

  • 5

    The study suggests ISM2 is necessary for trophoblast invasion and promotes migration in cells lacking endogenous ISM2.

Original Source(s)

Biomarker may flag early pregnancy risk

  • by Andrea Surnit

  • September 4, 2026

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