Evaluation of the adipokine levels of pregnant women with preeclampsia

Aim The aim of this study was to compare maternal blood and umbilical-cord leptin, spexin and visfatin levels during delivery in severe preeclampsia (PE) with controls, and to evaluate whether any clinical or demographic variables had independent associations with them. Methods This is a case-controlled observational study consisting of 45 pregnant women with severe PE and a control group consisting of gestational age-matched 45 healthy pregnant women. We examined the leptin, spexin, and visfatin levels in serum samples taken from maternal blood and umbilical cords during cesarean section in both groups. Leptin, spexin, and visfatin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The maternal leptin and visfatin levels were significantly higher and the maternal spexin levels were significantly lower in the PE group than in the control group (p < 0.001). Similar to the maternal adipokine levels, the umbilical-cord leptin and visfatin levels were significantly higher and the spexin levels were significantly lower in the PE group (p < 0.001). We found a significant positive correlation between maternal body mass index and maternal blood and umbilical-cord serum leptin and visfatin levels in both groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion The leptin, spexin and visfatin levels were significantly altered in the nondiabetic preeclamptic women in our study. We believe that the main reason for these changes may be the hypoxic placenta to protect the fetus and maintain its nutrition.

Automated summary

This study aimed to compare the levels of leptin, spexin, and visfatin in maternal blood and umbilical cord during delivery between severe preeclampsia (PE) and control group. The results showed that maternal leptin and visfatin levels were significantly higher, while maternal spexin levels were significantly lower in the PE group compared to the control group. Similarly, umbilical cord leptin and visfatin levels were also higher, and spexin levels were lower in the PE group. There was a significant positive correlation between maternal body mass index and maternal blood and umbilical cord leptin and visfatin levels in both groups.