Adiponectin levels in serum of women with pre-eclampsia

Abstract

Background and aim The aim of this study was to investigate the association between serum adiponectin levels and some clinical and hormonal parameters in cases of pre-eclampsia.Patients and methods This cross-sectional controlled observational study was carried out on 75 pregnant women recruited from antenatal outpatient clinic and obstetric departments of Benha University Hospital. The women were subdivided into three subgroups: 25 normal pregnant women, 25 pregnant women with mild pre-eclampsia, and 25 pregnant women with severe pre-eclampsia. All studied groups were subjected to complete history taking, clinical examination, and routine laboratory investigations, for example, complete blood count, Rh, random blood sugar, serum uric acid and proteinuria, serum adiponectin, progesterone, and estradiol levels.Results Serum adiponectin levels in women with pre-eclampsia were significantly higher than in normal pregnant women, and the increase was more marked in cases of severe pre-eclampsia. There was a significant positive correlation between adiponectin levels and arterial blood pressure in all groups. However, there was no correlation between serum adiponectin and estradiol and progesterone levels. The results support the theory that adiponectin might be part of a feedback mechanism for improving insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular health in patients with pre-eclampsia.Conclusion It has been concluded from the study that plasma adiponectin level is increased in pre-eclampsia. It can be taken independently or along with other parameters as a marker for severity of pre-eclampsia, hence, avoiding risk effects of pre-eclampsia to mother and fetus. Serum adiponectin assay increases sensitivity for prediction of pre-eclampsia.