Adiponectin levels in serum of women with pre-eclampsia

Abstract

Adiponectin has profound insulin-sensitizing, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects. However, reports of the role of adiponectin in pre-eclampsia are conflicting. This study in Egypt investigated the association between serum adiponectin levels and pre-eclampsia and between adiponectin levels and some clinical and hormonal parameters. A sample of 60 pregnant women in the third trimester were divided into 3 equal groups: normal pregnancy, mild pre-eclampsia and severe pre-eclampsia. Serum adiponectin levels in pre-eclamptic women were significantly higher than in normal pregnant women and the increase was more marked in cases of severe pre-eclampsia. There was a significant negative correlation between adiponectin levels and arterial blood pressure in all groups. However, there was no correlation between serum adiponectin and proteinuria or estradiol and progesterone levels. The results support the theory that adiponectin might be part of a feedback mechanism improving insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular health in pre-eclamptic patients.