Serum Adiponectin Levels in Normal and Hypertensive Pregnancy

Objective: The aim of this study was to quantify adiponectin levels in women with normal and hypertensive pregnancies to determine whether there is an independent association, while controlling for body fat and insulin sensitivity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the following categories: 12 normotensive non-pregnant women, 10 normotensive, 12 gestational hypertensive, 13 essential hypertensive, and 12 preeclamptic women. All subjects underwent measurements of body fat by bio-impedance analysis and blood sampling. Results: Percentage of body fat and insulin resistance were greater in all pregnant groups compared with non-pregnant women. Adiponectin concentrations were significantly lower in women with normal pregnancies (18.6 ± 1.4 μg/mL, p = 0.02) compared with non-pregnant women (24.0 ± 1.5 μg/mL). However, adiponectin levels were not significantly different among normal pregnancy, gestational hypertension (19.0 ± 3.1 μg/mL), essential hypertension (24.0 ± 3.7 μg/mL) and pre-eclampsia (22.4 ± 2.5 μg/mL) groups. Adiponectin levels were inversely related to percent body fat and insulin resistance. When adiponectin levels were corrected for percent body fat and insulin resistance, no significant differences were seen among the study groups. Conclusions: Adiponectin levels are decreased in normal pregnancy, however this difference disappears when adiponectin levels are corrected for the pregnancy-related increases in body fat and insulin resistance. Adiponectin levels are not altered significantly in states of hypertension in pregnancy compared with normal pregnancy.