Leptin, adiponectin and other adipokines in gestational diabetes mellitus and pre-eclampsia

Proteins secreted from adipocytes so-called adipokines influence metabolic and vascular function. Recent data suggest that various adipokines are dysregulated in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pre-eclampsia (PE) and might be of pathophysiological and prognostic significance in these complications of pregnancy. This review gives an overview on the regulation and pathophysiology of leptin and adiponectin in GDM and PE. Furthermore, data on novel adipokines including resistin, visfatin, retinol-binding protein 4 and vaspin are summarized.