脂源性细胞因子与子痫前期关系的研究

目的:探讨子痫前期(PE)患者血清脂源性细胞因子(脂联素和瘦素)水平的变化及其意义。方法:以53例子痫前期孕妇为研究组(其中轻度子痫前期32例、重度子痫前期21例),20例同期分娩的正常孕妇为对照组。采用ELISA法检测血清脂联素和瘦素水平。同时检测血清甘油三脂(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)水平。结果:(1)轻度、重度子痫前期患者血清脂联素水平分别为8.88±4.67μg/m l及5.14±2.79μg/m l,明显低于对照组11.61±2.90μg/m l,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。而轻度、重度子痫前期患者血清瘦素水平为21.79±15.19ng/m l及27.27±18.38ng/m l,明显高于对照组的12.35±6.51ng/m l,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05,P<0.01),(2)子痫前期患者血清脂联素与TG、TC、LDL-C、HDL-C均显著相关(r分别为-0.658、-0.624、-0.419、0.461),瘦素水平也与上述指标显著相关(r分别为0.534、0.707、0.418、-0.513),(3)子痫前期患者血清脂联素及瘦素水平呈高度负相关(r=-0.760,P<0.01)。结论:脂联素、瘦素等脂源性细胞因子在PE的发病中可能起一定的作用。     

血清瘦素及瘦素受体基因Gln223Arg多态性与妊娠期糖尿病的相关性研究

目的:探讨血清瘦素水平及瘦素受体基因Gln223Arg多态性与妊娠期糖尿病的相关性。方法:应用放射免疫分析法(RIA)及聚合酶链反应-限制性内切酶片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)技术,检测62例妊娠期糖尿病(GDM)患者及60例正常孕妇(NGT)血清瘦素及瘦素受体基因Gln223Arg多态性。结果:(1)GDM组血清瘦素水平为14.2±4.3μg/L,NGT组为10.1±2.6μg/L,二者差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。(2)GDM组孕妇瘦素受体基因Gln223Arg基因型GG、(GA+AA)频率分别为61.29%、38.71%,正常孕妇组分别为81.67%、18.33%,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);GDM组孕妇瘦素受体基因Gln223Arg等位基因频率G、A分别为77.42%、22.58%,正常孕妇组孕妇分别为89.17%、10.83%,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);(3)GDM组中基因型为GA+AA的孕妇瘦素水平为15.3±4.1μg/L,GG基因型为13.5±3.7μg/L,二者差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:瘦素,瘦素受体基因Gln223Arg多态性与GDM相关,GDM患者瘦素受体基因Gln223Arg变异可能影响血清瘦素水平。     

Glucose Tolerance in Women 24 h Postpartum Is Related to Blood Pressure,Anthropometric Data,and Adipokine Serum Levels

Objectives. To characterize glucose tolerance and adipokine serum levels in a cohort of women shortly after delivery. Study Design. A study population of healthy pregnant women (n = 65) was invited to undergo a standardized oral glucose tolerance test within 24 h after delivery at the University Hospital of Leipzig. As controls, 30 nonpregnant healthy, lean women were studied. Glucose, insulin, proinsulin, c-peptide, leptin, adiponectin, and soluble leptin receptor levels were compared in cases and controls by using the Mann–Whitney U two-sample statistics and correlation according to Spearman. Results. As compared to normal glucose tolerant (NGT) women postpartum, fasting c-peptide levels were significantly higher (NGT mothers = 0.23 nmol/L, controls: 0.49 nmol/L, p < 0.001), whereas proinsulin serum levels were significantly lower in nonpregnant controls (NGT mothers = 1.37 pmol/L, controls = 1.00 pmol/L, p = 0.05). Considering fasting adiponectin values, postpartum adiponectin was significantly decreased compared with controls (NGT mothers = 6.9 μg/L, controls = 8.9 μg/L, p = 0.05). Fasting serum levels of leptin (NGT mothers = 17 ng/mL, controls = 10.6 ng/mL, p < 0.009) and soluble leptin receptor (NGT mothers = 34.4 ng/mL, controls = 17.7 ng/mL, p < 0.001) were increased postpartum. Conclusion. We found significantly lower adiponectin and higher leptin sera levels in women postpartum as compared to nonpregnant women. In addition, adipokine serum levels shortly after delivery were related to parameters of adiposity and glucose tolerance. We hypothesize that women in the post-delivery period exhibit biochemical features resembling metabolic syndrome, impaired glucose tolerance, and derangement of the adipokine system.     

Alterations of maternal and fetal leptin concentrations in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether hypertensive disorders of pregnancy alter the maternal and fetal leptin levels. METHODS: Fifty primigravidas between 28 and 34 weeks of gestation were divided into three groups: group A consisted of 17 normal pregnant women with a mean gestational age of 31 weeks, group B consisted of 15 women with gestational hypertension without proteinuria with a mean gestational age of 30 weeks and group C consisted of 18 pre-eclamptic women with a mean gestational age of 31 weeks. RESULTS: The pre-eclamptics had significantly higher serum leptin levels than those in normal pregnancies (p<0.001) but no difference was noted between normal and gestational hypertensive pregnancies. Pre-eclamptic women had significantly higher umbilical vein leptin levels (4.68+/-1.66ng/ml) compared to normal pregnancies (1.92+/-0.71ng/ml) and those with gestational hypertension (2.47+/-0.81ng/ml). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-eclampsia is associated with an increase in maternal plasma leptin levels and fetal of leptin production increases in gestational hypertension and even more in pre-eclampsia.     

The relationships between leptin and inflammatory cytokines in women with pre-eclampsia

Objective To compare maternal serum leptin concentration in women with pre-eclampsia and women with normal pregnancy, and to evaluate the relationships between leptin and several inflammatory cytokines.
Design Prospective clinical study.
Setting University Hospital of Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain.
Sample Twenty-seven women with pre-eclampsia and 25 normotensive pregnant women.
Methods Maternal serum levels of TNF-α, TGF-β1, interleukin 6, and leptin were measured using a commercially available immunoassay.
Main outcome measures Maternal serum levels of leptin and its relationship to levels of TNF-α, TGF-β1 and interleukin 6.
Results Maternal serum leptin levels were higher in women with pre-eclampsia, but this difference was of borderline statistical significance (median 15.9ng/mL; interquartile range (5.4–31.9) vs 30.5ng/mL (13.9–64) (   P =0.05  ). The concentration of maternal serum leptin was correlated with pre-gestational and gestational body mass index (  r=0.45, P =0.03; r=0.44, P =0.04  ), TNF-α concentration (r=0.57, P =0.002) and interleukin-6 level (  r=0.46, P =0.02  ) in women with normal pregnancy. In women with pre-eclampsia, only a significant correlation between maternal serum leptin level and TNF-α concentration (  0.47, P =0.01  ) was found.
Conclusions The level of maternal serum leptin is increased and correlates positively with the level of TNF-α in women with pre-eclampsia. In women with a normal pregnancy leptin levels not only correlate with TNF-α, but also with IL-6 and body mass index.     

Increased visfatin and leptin in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia

Objective.?To evaluate the role of the adipokines, visfatin and leptin in the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia and how their concentrations correlate with the severity of the disease and abnormal Doppler velocimetry.

Methods.?A cross-sectional study was carried out in 72 pregnant women (30 patients with mild pre-eclampsia, 20 patients with severe pre-eclampsia and 22 healthy normotensive pregnant women) during the third trimester of pregnancy. The maternal levels of plasma visfatin and serum leptin were determined in all cases by enzyme immunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The uterine artery and umbilical artery RI were determined by Doppler analysis in all cases.

Results.?Plasma visfatin levels and serum leptin levels were higher in patients with pre-eclampsia than in the normotensive pregnant women. Six patients with mild pre-eclampsia and five patients with severe pre-eclampsia had abnormal Doppler velocimetry. Visfatin and leptin levels of pre-eclamptic patients with abnormal Doppler velocimetry were significantly higher than they were in those with normal Doppler velocimetry. Serum leptin levels were positively correlated with plasma visfatin level in cases of pre-eclampsia.

Conclusions.?These findings suggest that increased maternal levels of leptin and visfatin may be involved in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia, and measurement of these adipokines may be useful in assessment of the severity of disease.     

Predicting Maternal Serum Adiponectin and Leptin Level as Biomarkers of Pre-eclampsia: A Prospective Study

BackgroundThe aim of this study to determine maternal adiponectin and leptin levels as biomarkers of pre-eclampsia and compare adiponectin and leptin ratio. Materials and MethodsThis is a prospective study. The enrolled women were divided into two groups: first, study group (n = 60) comprised of women diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and second, control group (n = 60) comprised of age- and gestation-matched normotensive and nonproteinuric women.Main Outcome MeasuresMaternal serum adiponectin and leptin levels and their ratio were compared in pre-eclamptic (study group) and normotensive (control group) women. ResultsAdiponectin levels were insignificantly higher in study group than control group. Leptin levels in study group were significantly higher than control group (p < 0.001). Adiponectin/leptin ratio was significantly lower in study group than controls (p < 0.0001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of serum leptin and serum adiponectin/leptin ratio as a biomarker of pre-eclampsia were 90%, 88.3%, 88.5%, 89.8% and 68.3%, 90%, 87.2%, 74%, respectively. Serum leptin levels and serum adiponectin/leptin ratio had cut-off point as 23.3 ng/ml and < 0.153, respectively. Accuracy of both serum leptin and adiponectin/leptin ratio was significant (p < 0.0001).ConclusionMaternal leptin-level estimation should be integrated into the investigations for pre-eclampsia, and a cut-off level of > 23.3 ng/ml should be used as a biomarker for diagnosis. Adiponectin–leptin ratio should be considered as a biomarker for PE and should be determined in all cases of pre-eclampsia, and a cut-off of < 0.153 should be used for diagnosis.     

Adiponectin, leptin and lipid profiles evaluation in oral contraceptive pill consumers

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate serum lipid profiles, leptin and adiponectin levels in women with a normal menstrual cycle receiving low-dose (LD) combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) (levonorgestrel 0.15?mg, ethinyl-estradiol 0.03?mg).

Study design

Serum adiponectin and leptin concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and spectrophotometric assay was used for serum lipid and lipoprotein profiles assay in 50 healthy women with normal menstrual cycles who served as the control group and 50 women taking COCs. Unpaired t test and Chi-square test were used for comparison of variables between oral contraceptive users and non-oral contraceptive users.

Results

Serum adiponectin and leptin levels were changed in COC consumers. The data obtained for adiponectin in COC consumers (6.6?±?4.06?μg/ml) were significantly lower (?27.4%, P?=?0.004) than control group (9.1?±?5.09?μg/ml). The difference between the serum leptin concentration of the control group (11.5?±?6.9?ng/ml) and women receiving COCs (14.1?±?6.7?ng/ml) was not significant (+18.4%, P?=?0.083). There was nonsignificant difference between HDL levels of subjects taking COC (44.02?±?10.7?mg/dl) and control group (49.4?±?14.3?mg/dl). The LDL levels of COC consumer (131.40?±?66.40?mg/dl) was significantly higher (P?=?0.002) than controls (102.30?±?44.0?mg/dl). The serum cholesterol concentration of women receiving COC (193.2?±?70.4?mg/dl) was significantly higher (P?=?0.05) than controls (172.8?±?49.6?mg/dl). The age of COC consumption and the duration of intake of COCs beyond 36?months had no significant effect on the adiponectin and leptin concentrations.

Conclusion

LD COC uptake results in a significant decrease in serum adiponectin concentration, nonsignificant increase in leptin levels and a more atherogenic lipid profile by significantly increasing LDL and nonsignificantly decreasing HDL concentrations. These findings suggested that COC may reduce or stimulate the adiponectin and leptin concentrations, respectively. This might be due to an effect of these pills on adipocyte maturation via inhibition or stimulation of the synthesis of new adiponectin and leptin molecules or may be a result of the increased frequency of a particular allele of the adiponectin and leptin. It is suggested that these alterations in adiponectin and leptin concentrations and lipid profiles may be related to their probable effects in response to various pathological and physiological properties of COC or its metabolites. It seems that probably free radicals produced during metabolism of COCs change the amounts of adipokines and atherogenic lipids.     

Changes in serum levels of leptin, cytokines and lipoprotein in pre-eclamptic and normotensive pregnant women.

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in serum levels of leptin, cytokines and lipoproteins in women with pre-eclampsia and to evaluate their clinical significance in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. We performed a prospective study involving 45 women with pre-eclampsia in the third trimester of pregnancy and 30 normotensive women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Serum level of leptin was measured by enzyme immunoassay using a Cayman chemical kit. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, soluble IL-2 receptor (slL-2R), IL-6 and IL-8 were measured by using a non-radioimmunoassay chemiluminescent method. Serum lipid concentrations were measured by an Abbott Aeroset (USA) autoanalyzer. Serum levels of apolipoprotein (Apo)A-I and ApoB were evaluated by nephelometrics assays. Differences between groups were evaluated with Student's unpaired t test and, when a variable was not normally distributed, the Mann-Whitney U test was used. The relationship between the variable was explored by the Pearson correlation test. Serum levels of leptin, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, sIL-2R, IL-6 and IL-8 in the pre-eclamptic women were significantly higher than in normotensive women (p < 0.001). In the pre-eclamptic women serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol were significantly increased (p < 0.001), while high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and Apo-A were significantly decreased compared to levels in normotensive pregnant women (p < 0.001). No significant differences were noted between the groups in Apo-B (p > 0.05). Serum levels of TNF-alpha were significantly correlated with the serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, triglycerides, sIL-2R, Apo-A and hematocrit in pre-eclamptic women (r = 0.418, p < 0.05; r= 0.389, p < 0.01; r=0.312, p < 0.05; r= -0.318, p < 0.05; r= -0.340, p < 0.05 and r=0.41, p < 0.01, respectively). A negative correlation was seen between serum level of leptin and both IL-1beta and Apo-A in pre-eclamptic women (r=-0.44, p < 0.05; r=-0.39, p < 0.05, respectively). Serum levels of IL-6 were also significantly correlated with the serum levels of HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and body mass index (BMI) in pre-eclamptic women (r=0.40, p < 0.01; r=-0.568, p < 0.01; r= -0.30, p < 0.05, respectively). In addition, serum level of IL-8 were significantly correlated with the serum levels of HDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol and BMI in pre-eclamptic women (r= 0.368, p < 0.05; r=0.513, p < 0.01 and r= -0.41, p < 0.01, respectively). We found that the pre-eclampsia associated with increases in serum levels of leptin, TNF-alpha, cytokines, triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol was associated with a significant reduction in serum levels of HDL-cholesterol and Apo-A. These association may be due to the abnormal lipid metabolism and immune activation involved in the pathogenesis of this disease.     

Leptin and pre-eclampsia in black African parturients

Objective To measure serum concentrations of the hormone leptin during late pregnancy in Black African women with pre-eclampsia, healthy normotensive pregnant women as controls and healthy normotensive non-pregnant women; secondly, to explore the relationship between leptin and obesity.
Design Observational, cross sectional study.
Setting Antenatal clinics, antenatal wards, gynaecology out patient and family planning clinics of a tertiary hospital, Durban, South Africa.
Population Pregnant and non-pregnant Black African women.
Method Serum leptin was measured by a homologous radio-immunoassay technique. Simple anthropometric parameters were used to explore the relationship between leptin and obesity. In each group, leptin levels were compared between obese (body mass index,  BMI ≥ 30 kg m⁻²  ) and lean women.
Main outcome measures Serum leptin concentrations, anthropometric parameters, mean blood pressures and proteinuria.
Results There were 68 women with pre-eclampsia, 92 healthy normotensive pregnant women (controls) and 32 healthy normotensive non-pregnant women. Serum leptin levels were higher in pregnant compared with non-pregnant women [26.66 (1.96) and 25.89 (1.65) vs 17.97 (2.11) ng/mL,   P = 0.02  ]. Weight and BMI showed the greatest correlation with leptin both in pregnant (   r = 0.61 and r = 0.58, respectively  ) and non-pregnant women (   r = 0.74 and 0.79, respectively  ). There was no significant difference in the mean concentrations of leptin between women with and those without pre-eclampsia [26.66 (1.96) vs 25.89 (1.65) ng/mL, respectively,   P = 0.95  ].
Conclusion Pregnancy is a hyperleptinaemic state. There is no difference in serum leptin levels between Black African women with pre-eclampsia and healthy normotensive pregnant women. Serum leptin concentration is largely determined by the degree of adiposity.     

Serum levels of leptin, insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in women with pre-eclampsia, and their relationship to insulin resistance.

The present study was carried out to compare serum levels of leptin, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), homeostasis model assessment--(pancreatic beta-cell function) (HOMA-(%B)) and homeostasis model assessment--(tissue insulin sensitivity) (HOMA-(%S)) in women with mild and severe pre-eclampsia and normotensive pregnant women; and to evaluate the possible relationships between these parameters in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. Seventy-three women were divided into three groups: group A consisted of 20 normotensive pregnant women (NPW); group B consisted of 25 women with mild pre-eclampsia (MPE); and group C consisted of 28 women with severe pre-eclampsia (SPE). Serum level of leptin was measured by enzyme immunoassay using a commercial kit. Serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were measured with a two-site immunoradiometric assay. Serum level of insulin was measured by the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method. HOMA used indices of pancreatic beta-cell function and tissue insulin sensitivity. Differences between groups were compared by one-way analyses of variance and the post hoc Tukey-HSD test for multiple comparisons; however, when a variable was not normally distributed, the Mann-Whitney U test was used. Associations between variables were tested using Pearson's coefficient of correlation. Birth weight was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the MPE and SPE groups than in the NPW group. Serum levels of leptin and insulin in women with SPE and MPE were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in NPW. Serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were significantly lower in women with SPE and MPE compared with NPW (p < 0.001). The mean HOMA-(%B) level in women with SPE and MPE was significantly higher than in NPW (p < 0.001), whereas the mean HOMA-(%S) level in women with SPE and MPE was significantly lower than in NPW (p < 0.001). In the SPE group, systolic blood pressure correlated significantly with serum levels of IGF-I and leptin (r = 0.375, p < 0.05 and r = 0.495, p < 0.01, respectively). A negative correlation between mean HOMA-(%S) level and serum IGFBP-3 level was noted (r = -0.357, p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between serum level of IGF-I and mean HOMA-(%B) level in mildly pre-eclamptic women (r = 0.541, p < 0.01). We conclude that pre-eclampsia is associated with insulin resistance; and that existing hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in women with pre-eclampsia seem not to correlate with leptin and birth weight, but may correlate positively with IGF-1 and IGFBP-3. Therefore we think that hyperleptinemia, low IGF-I or IGFBP-3, and insulin resistance may contribute to the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia.     

Elevated amniotic fluid leptin levels in pregnant women who are destined to develop preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether leptin levels of the amniotic fluid elevate during early pregnancy in women destined to develop preeclampsia and to evaluate the relationship between amniotic fluid leptin levels and gestational age, maternal body mass index, and fetal sex. STUDY DESIGN: Leptin levels of the amniotic fluid were compared in two groups of women, preeclamptic (n = 20) and normotensive pregnant (n = 40), matched for fetal sex, maternal body mass index at sampling, gravidity and fetal gestational age at sampling. Furthermore, amniotic leptin levels in 400 normotensive pregnant women were analyzed for their correlation with gestational age, maternal body mass index, and fetal sex. RESULTS: Median leptin concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the women with preeclampsia (7.3+/-0.7 ng/ml) than in the normotensive pregnant women (4.1 +/- 0.3 ng/ml), independent of fetal sex. The leptin levels in the amniotic fluid decreased with advanced gestational age (r = 0.24, p < 0.001). Amniotic fluid leptin levels in the pregnant women carrying a female fetus (5.6+/-0.3ng/ml) were significantly higher than those carrying a male fetus (4.7+/-0.2 ng/ml) (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Higher amniotic fluid leptin levels were observed in the preeclamptic pregnant women, and they decreased as gestational age advanced. Furthermore, the women with a female fetus were noted to have higher amniotic fluid leptin levels.     

Leptin and gestational weight gain: relation of maternal and cord blood leptin to birth weight

OBJECTIVES: To determine maternal serum leptin concentrations throughout normal pregnancy, as well as cord blood leptin concentration, and to correlate serum and cord blood leptin levels with gestational weight gain and birth weight, respectively. METHODS: This study comprised 52 normal pregnant women, including 11 in the first, 19 in the second, and 22 in the third trimester, in addition to 30 healthy, fertile nonpregnant women of comparable age and with normal body mass index (BMI). Maternal blood and fetal cord blood samples were withdrawn from the normal, healthy pregnant women and the nonpregnant controls for the determination of serum leptin by a specific radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Maternal serum leptin concentrations in the first trimester did not differ significantly from those of healthy nonpregnant control subjects, whereas leptin concentrations in the second and third trimesters were elevated significantly. There were significant positive correlations between maternal serum leptin concentration and gestational age, gestational weight, and BMI. Cord blood leptin concentration correlated positively with birth weight and third trimester maternal serum leptin. CONCLUSION: Elevated serum leptin is associated with maternal adiposity and risk of developing large for gestational age infants.     

The expression and concentrations of Fas/APO-1 (CD95) antigen in patients with severe pre-eclampsia

PROBLEM: Apoptosis has been proposed as a mechanism for maintaining homeostasis in the immune system. Activated lymphocytes are removed by a Fas/FasL-mediated programmed cell death process called activation induced cell death (AICD). The aim of the study was to investigate surface Fas antigen (APO-1, CD95) expression on T lymphocytes and NK cells and also soluble Fas antigen concentrations in pre-eclamptic patients and healthy pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen pre-eclamptic patients and 18 healthy pregnant women were studied. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated, labeled by direct staining with anti-CD95 monoclonal antibodies and analyzed using the flow cytometric method. Furthermore, the concentrations of soluble CD95 molecule in serum of patients with severe pre-eclampsia and women with uncomplicated pregnancy were measured using ELISA method. RESULTS: We found that Fas antigen expression and fluorescence intensity on T CD8+ lymphocytes were higher in patients with severe pre-eclampsia in comparison with healthy pregnant women (P<0.05). Furthermore, the concentrations of soluble CD95 molecule were higher in the group of pre-eclamptic patients when compared to controls (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that T CD8+ lymphocytes in patients with severe pre-eclampsia can be activated. Moreover, higher concentrations of soluble CD95 antigen can suggest altered possibilities to undergo Fas/FasL-mediated activation induced cell death process of lymphocytes in severe pre-eclampsia.     

子痫前期患者血清脂联素表达水平与血脂代谢及胰岛素抵抗的相关性

目的:探讨脂联素、血脂代谢及胰岛素抵抗与子痫前期发病的关系。方法:选择2007年9月—2008年7月住院分娩的妊娠妇女120例及妊娠前健康体检妇女30例,其中60例子痫前期妊娠妇女按发病时妊娠周不同分为早发型组(29例,发病时妊娠周≤34周)和晚发型组(31例,发病时妊娠周>34周)。60例正常晚期妊娠妇女分为妊娠≤34周组和妊娠>34周组,各30例;采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测各组血清脂联素与胰岛素水平;应用全自动生化分析仪测定血脂、血糖水平。检测临床相关指标,包括血压、妊娠前体质量等,并进行相关性分析。结果:①早发型子痫前期组血清脂联素低于同期对照组,晚发型子痫前期组血清脂联素低于同期对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);且早发型组低于晚发型组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),校正红细胞压积(HCT)后,仍有统计学意义。②早发型、晚发型子痫前期组血清三酰甘油(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、低密度脂蛋白(LDL)、载脂蛋白B(ApoB)、空腹胰岛素(FINS)水平及胰岛素抵抗指数(IRI)均高于同期对照组,而高密度脂蛋白(HDL)、载脂蛋白A1(ApoA1)低于同期对照组(均P<0.05)。③早发型、晚发型子痫前期组血清脂联素与TG、收缩压(SP)、舒张压(DP)、平均动脉压(MAP)及IRI均呈负相关;与HDL呈正相关。结论:子痫前期妊娠妇女血清脂联素表达降低可能与子痫前期发病有关;血脂代谢异常及胰岛素抵抗与子痫前期患者脂联素表达降低有关,可能参与低脂联素促发子痫前期的病理生理机制。     

Serum levels of leptin,insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in women with pre-eclampsia,and their relationship to insulin resistance

The present study was carried out to compare serum levels of leptin, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), homeostasis model assessment–(pancreatic β-cell function) (HOMA-(%B)) and homeostasis model assessment–(tissue insulin sensitivity) (HOMA-(%S)) in women with mild and severe pre-eclampsia and normotensive pregnant women; and to evaluate the possible relationships between these parameters in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. Seventy-three women were divided into three groups: group A consisted of 20 normotensive pregnant women (NPW); group B consisted of 25 women with mild pre-eclampsia (MPE); and group C consisted of 28 women with severe pre-eclampsia (SPE). Serum level of leptin was measured by enzyme immunoassay using a commercial kit. Serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were measured with a two-site immunoradiometric assay. Serum level of insulin was measured by the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method. HOMA used indices of pancreatic β-cell function and tissue insulin sensitivity. Differences between groups were compared by one-way analyses of variance and the post hoc Tukey–HSD test for multiple comparisons; however, when a variable was not normally distributed, the Mann–Whitney U test was used. Associations between variables were tested using Pearson's coefficient of correlation. Birth weight was significantly lower (p?<?0.001) in the MPE and SPE groups than in the NPW group. Serum levels of leptin and insulin in women with SPE and MPE were significantly higher (p?<?0.001) than in NPW. Serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were significantly lower in women with SPE and MPE compared with NPW (p?<?0.001). The mean HOMA-(%B) level in women with SPE and MPE was significantly higher than in NPW (p?<?0.001), whereas the mean HOMA-(%S) level in women with SPE and MPE was significantly lower than in NPW (p?<?0.001). In the SPE group, systolic blood pressure correlated significantly with serum levels of IGF-I and leptin (r?=?0.375, p?<?0.05 and r?= 0.495, p?<?0.01, respectively). A negative correlation between mean HOMA-(%S) level and serum IGFBP-3 level was noted (r?=?–0.357, p?<?0.05). There was a positive correlation between serum level of IGF-I and mean HOMA-(%B) level in mildly pre-eclamptic women (r?=?0.541, p?<?0.01). We conclude that pre-eclampsia is associated with insulin resistance; and that existing hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in women with pre-eclampsia seem not to correlate with leptin and birth weight, but may correlate positively with IGF-1 and IGFBP-3. Therefore we think that hyperleptinemia, low IGF-I or IGFBP-3, and insulin resistance may contribute to the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia.     

Adjusted leptin level (ALL) is a predictor for hyperemesis gravidarum

OBJECTIVE: To compare the maternal serum leptin level according to the gestational week and to assess the relationship between the adjusted serum leptin level and thyroid hormones. In order to obtain this objective a new parameter is developed: adjusted leptin level (ALL: maternal serum leptin level/gestational week). STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study was carried out at the early prenatal care unit, SSK Ankara Women's Health and Teaching Hospital. Fifty-four women with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) and 42 pregnant women without HG as a control group were included to the study. The groups were compared for age, parity, body mass index, fasting serum TSH, free T3, free T4 and leptin levels. A new parameter; ALL was also calculated in each case. RESULTS: Gestational age and body mass index (BMI) were found significantly lower in the HG group than in the control group (p=0.001). ALL was significantly high in the HG group (p=0.009). Serum TSH, free T3, free T4 levels were significantly different in the HG group than in the control group (p=0.003, 0.013, 0.012, respectively). A significant positive correlation was found between ALL and BMI in the HG group (r=0.449 p=0.001). The maternal leptin level was also positively correlated with BMI in the HG group (r=0.313 p=0.025). CONCLUSION: Etiology of the hyperemesis gravidarum is multifactorial. However we can postulate the adjusted leptin level is a good predictor for hyperemesis gravidarum.     

Serum leptin levels in hypertensive disorder of pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: To determine serum leptin levels in hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, cross-sectional, case control study, we measured serum leptin levels of 58 hypertensive pregnant women and 54 normal pregnant women. We also did blood and urine analysis for the evaluation of the severity of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. The patients were followed until after delivery and information about labour was recorded. We analysed the difference and correlation between anthropometric measures, hormonal and biochemical parameters, and serum leptin levels in two groups. RESULTS: In the study group, serum leptin levels were determined to be higher than the control group. Neonatal birth weight was significantly lower in the hypertensive group. While the serum uric acid, urea, aspartate aminotransferase, fibronectin, and fasting blood glucose levels were found to be higher, serum total protein and albumin levels were significantly lower among the hypertensive pregnant women. Hypertensive pregnant women were more insulin resistant. Serum leptin levels were highly and positively correlated with serum fibronectin, and C peptide levels. A negative significant correlation was observed between maternal serum leptin levels and neonatal birth weight among the pregnant women having the hypertensive disorders. CONCLUSION: Serum leptin levels in hypertensive pregnant women appear to be higher. The determination of serum leptin levels may be as important as serum fibronectin and C peptide levels in the management of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. C peptide and insulin may be due to hyperinsulinemia which leads to increased stimulation of leptin production by fatty tissue. Insulin resistance which appears in late pregnancy is more significant especially in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia.     

Serum leptin levels and uterine Doppler flow velocimetry at 20 weeks' gestation as markers for the development of pre-eclampsia.

Altered Doppler flow velocimetry of the uterine arteries during the second trimester is correlated with the risk of developing pre-eclampsia. Serum levels of leptin, a protein regulating body weight and secreted by the placenta, are higher in women with severe pre-eclampsia. We investigated whether alterations of uterine arteries' Doppler flow velocimetry during the early second-trimester scan were accompanied by changes in leptin levels, and whether these changes might be an early risk factor for pre-eclampsia. We retrospectively selected 50 women with altered uterine artery velocimetry at the second-trimester scan who subsequently developed pre-eclampsia (group A) and 100 women who did not develop pre-eclampsia, divided into two groups: 50 women with normal velocimetry at the second-trimester scan (group B) and 50 women with altered velocimetry at the second-trimester scan (group C). Serum leptin levels during the second and third trimesters and bilateral uterine artery resistance index during the second trimester were evaluated. No differences were observed in serum leptin levels in the second trimester among the three groups. During the third trimester, women in group A showed significantly higher serum leptin levels in comparison with women in groups B and C (p < 0.01). Serum leptin levels do not seem to be a useful early marker for the development of pre-eclampsia in the presence of altered uterine blood flow, and may be a late compensatory mechanism or reflect a generalized response of the trophoblast to hypoxic stimuli.     

Serum leptin levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is related to leptin dysregulation. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in a university hospital. PATIENT(S): Fifty patients with PCOS (33 nonobese and 17 obese) and 32 control women (19 nonobese and 13 obese) were included in the study. INTERVENTION(S): Serum leptin levels were measured in patients with PCOS and the controls. Correlations between leptin levels and serum hormone levels (FSH, LH, free testosterone, androstenedione, DHEA-S and fasting insulin) were studied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Serum leptin levels and correlations between leptin levels and the hormonal parameters. RESULT(S): Mean serum leptin levels were not significantly higher in patients with PCOS compared to the control group. Leptin levels were found to be significantly higher in the obese subgroups both in patients with PCOS and in the control women. Leptin levels were found to be higher in obese patients with PCOS compared to obese controls; however, when the levels were evaluated again with covariance analysis excluding body mass index, there was no statistically significant difference. Leptin levels had a positive correlation with body mass index, both in patients with PCOS and the controls. CONCLUSION(S): Leptin levels were not higher in patients with PCOS compared to the control group; the leptin level was correlated with the amount of fat tissue not only in patients with PCOS but also in healthy women.