Preeclampsia is a condition in pregnant women, characterized by new onset hypertension with systemic syndrome after 20 weeks of pregnancy [1]. Symptoms of preeclampsia can include headaches, visual disturbances, and inadequate liver and kidney function. Preeclampsia can lead to seizures, coma, and even the mother or baby’s death if not treated properly. The prevalence of preeclampsia is estimated to be 2–8 % globally [2]. Mexico has a prevalence of 5 % to 10 % [3]. The risk increases with age, obesity, previous preeclampsia, multiple pregnancies, family history of preeclampsia, smoking during pregnancy, and low socio-economic status [4].The molecular pathophysiological mechanism is under study yet. Nevertheless, evidence reports the presence of events related to oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress, anti-angiogenesis, and inflammation [4], [5], [6].

Currently, the only definitive treatment for preeclampsia is delivery [7]. It is crucial the improvement new therapeutic strategies established on the physiopathology of preeclampsia using non-invasive biological samples such as urine [8].

Cathepsin D (CTD) is a lysosomal aspartic protease present in different cell types. Plays an important role in the process of protein degradation, which is necessary for maintaining homeostasis and trophoblastic invasion [9], [10]. It has been found to be more abundant and active in chronic kidney disease patients. Also, is present in urine samples, making it a potential marker for kidney-related diseases [9], [11], [12], [13]. Our work aims to measure urinary and serum CTD levels to compare in preeclamptic and normotensive women and to analyze its potential role as a diagnostic biomarker in preeclampsia.