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Circulating high-molecular-weight adiponectin is upregulated in preeclampsia and is related to insulin sensitivity

Mathias Fasshauer1, Theresa Waldeyer, Jeannette Seeger

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Leipzig, Ph.-Rosenthal-Str. 27, 04103 Leipzig, Germany. mathias.fasshauer@medizin.uni-leipzig.de

European Journal of Endocrinology
|January 31, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Maternal serum adiponectin, including the biologically active high-molecular-weight (HMW) form, is significantly elevated in preeclampsia (PE). This finding suggests adiponectin may play a role in improving insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular health during pregnancy.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy complication linked to future metabolic and cardiovascular risks.
  • Adiponectin, an insulin-sensitizing adipokine, is paradoxically upregulated in PE.
  • High-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin is considered the biologically active form.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify serum concentrations of HMW adiponectin and total adiponectin in preeclampsia (PE) patients.
  • To investigate the relationship between adiponectin levels and markers of renal function, glucose, and lipid metabolism in PE.

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples from 16 PE patients and 20 control pregnant women were analyzed using ELISA.
  • Quantification of both high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin and total adiponectin.
  • Correlation analysis with clinical and biochemical measures.

Main Results:

  • Maternal serum HMW adiponectin and total adiponectin levels were nearly twofold higher in PE patients compared to controls.
  • Adiponectin levels showed a positive correlation with creatinine and a negative correlation with fasting insulin.
  • These associations remained significant in both univariate and multivariate analyses.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal serum adiponectin, including the HMW form, is significantly increased in preeclampsia.
  • Elevated adiponectin is associated with markers of insulin sensitivity and renal dysfunction in PE.
  • Adiponectin may be involved in a feedback mechanism to enhance insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular health in preeclampsia.
Abstract

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