Serum adiponectin, leptin and soluble leptin receptor in pre-eclampsia

Abstract

Objectives To delineate the changes in serum levels of adiponectin, leptin and soluble leptin receptor, and in the free leptin index in women with pre-eclampsia. Methods Blood samples were collected from 38 pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and 42 normotensive pregnant women as controls. Serum concentrations of adiponectin, leptin and soluble leptin receptor were determined by enzyme-link immunosorbent assay and the free leptin index was calculated as the ratio of serum leptin to soluble leptin receptor for each sample. Results No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding maternal age, gestational age and body mass index. Women with pre-eclampsia had significantly higher levels of serum adiponectin and leptin, and a higher free leptin index than controls ( P < 0.01, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences between the two groups in serum levels of soluble leptin receptor ( P > 0.05). Conclusions The study demonstrated elevated serum levels of adiponectin and leptin as well as a higher free leptin index in women with pre-eclampsia, suggesting these as important factors contributing to this complication of pregnancy.