Objective: To document and discuss current knowledge base in pre-eclampsia diagnostics and mechanisms of origin. Design: Review article. Settings: Institute of Medical Biochemistry 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine of the First Faculty of Medicine and General Teaching Hospital, Prague. Conclusion: Pre-eclampsia frequently diagnosed only after clinical symptoms manifestation remains underestimated complication of pregnancy. New theories about its origin enable better insight to the pathological process as well as identified new markers for early detection of the disorder.

        Key words: pre-eclampsia, oxidative stress, prediction markers, angiogenesis