Adiponectin and leptin serum levels in normal adolescent pregnancies

Adiponectin and leptin play a critical role in pregnancy development, the blood levels of these adipokines have been extensively investigated in healthy adult women, however there are no similar studies in adolescents. The aim of this study was to evaluate adiponectin and leptin serum levels in adolescents during pregnancy.

This prospective cohort study recruited 105 healthy, normal-weight adolescents, within the ages from 13 to 19 years old. Leptin and adiponectin serum levels of the 43 pregnant participants were assessed at 10-14, 24-28 and 30-34 weeks and their concentrations were compared with those of the 62 nonpregnant adolescents. Commercial ELISA kits were used for all assessments.

There were no clinical and sociodemographic differences between the pregnant and nonpregnant adolescents. Adiponectin serum levels were significantly lower in the pregnant compared to the nonpregnant adolescents 3600 ± 1730 ng/ml versus 4144 ± 1583 ng/ml, respectively. (p < .0001). Moreover, adiponectin concentration decreased significantly with pregnancy progress: being 4295 (± 2003) ng/ml at the first trimester; 3419 (±1803) ng/ml at the 2nd; and 3112 (±1442) ng/ml at the 3rd trimesters, respectively (p = .004). Overall leptin serum concentrations were significantly higher in pregnant than in nonpregnant adolescents (p < .0001). During pregnancy, leptin concentration increased significantly between the first and third trimesters: 35,688 (±33,637) pg/ml versus 49,388 (±33,186) pg/ml, respectively, (p < .0001).

The profile of adiponectin and leptin serum levels in adolescent are similar to that observed in adult women. In both cases, there are significant changes with gestational age during healthy pregnancy.Key MessageAdiponectin and leptin serum levels in healthy teenager changes with pregnancy.