Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

Leptin and preeclampsia

Lucilla Poston1

  • 1Maternal and Fetal Research Unit, Guy's Kings and St. Thomas' School of Medicine, King's College, London, United Kingdom.

Seminars in Reproductive Medicine
|June 28, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Preeclampsia involves higher maternal leptin levels before symptoms appear. The placenta may cause this increase, potentially affecting fetal growth or blood pressure.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Endocrinology
  • Perinatal Medicine

Background:

  • Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy complication.
  • Elevated maternal serum leptin concentrations are observed before preeclampsia onset.
  • Leptin's role in preeclampsia pathogenesis remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review potential sources of increased maternal leptin during pregnancy.
  • To explore the possible consequences of elevated leptin in preeclampsia.
  • To highlight areas for future research on leptin and preeclampsia.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on leptin and preeclampsia.
  • Analysis of potential stimuli for leptin production (e.g., placental hypoxia, inflammation).
  • Discussion of proposed physiological effects of increased leptin.

Main Results:

  • The placenta is a likely contributor to elevated maternal leptin.
  • Placental hypoxia and inflammatory mediators may stimulate leptin release.
  • Potential consequences include effects on fetal growth and maternal blood pressure via sympathetic activity.

Conclusions:

  • The rise in maternal leptin may originate from the placenta, influenced by hypoxia and inflammation.
  • Increased leptin could have dual effects, potentially benefiting fetal growth or increasing blood pressure.
  • Further research is crucial to ascertain if leptin is a causal factor or a bystander in preeclampsia.

More Related Videos

Human Primary Trophoblast Cell Culture Model to Study the Protective Effects of Melatonin Against Hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced Disruption12:02

Human Primary Trophoblast Cell Culture Model to Study the Protective Effects of Melatonin Against Hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced Disruption

Published on: July 30, 2016

Disruption of the Mouse Blood-Brain Barrier by Small Extracellular Vesicles from Hypoxic Human Placentas05:31

Disruption of the Mouse Blood-Brain Barrier by Small Extracellular Vesicles from Hypoxic Human Placentas

Published on: January 26, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Cell Specific Gene Expression01:58

Cell Specific Gene Expression

Multicellular organisms contain a variety of structurally and functionally distinct cell types, but the DNA in all the cells originated from the same parent cells. The differences in the cells can be attributed to the differential gene expression. Liver cells, whose functions include detoxification of blood, production of bile to metabolize fats, and synthesis of proteins essential for metabolism, must express a specific set of genes to perform their functions. Gene expression also varies with...
Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
Pathophysiology of Diabetes01:20

Pathophysiology of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors01:23

Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) is a serine protease widely distributed in the body. It's involved in the inactivation of GLP-1 and GIP hormones, which are crucial for insulin regulation. DPP-4 inhibitors, such as sitagliptin (Januvia), saxagliptin (Onglyza), linagliptin (Tradjenta), alogliptin (Nesina), and vildagliptin (Galvus), help increase the proportion of active GLP-1, enhancing insulin secretion. These inhibitors work by competitively binding to DPP-4. This binding causes a significant...
Diabetic Retinopathy01:27

Diabetic Retinopathy

DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...