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The Role of Leptin in Fetal Growth during Pre-Eclampsia

Victoria E de Knegt1, Paula L Hedley1, Jørgen K Kanters2

  • 1Department for Congenital Disorders, Danish National Biobank and Biomarkers, Statens Serum Institute, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 30, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Leptin dysregulation in pregnancy contributes to pre-eclampsia (PE) and impacts fetal growth. This review explores leptin

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Endocrinology
  • Maternal-fetal medicine

Background:

  • Leptin, a placental hormone, regulates pregnancy functions.
  • Metabolic disorders and impaired leptin homeostasis are linked to pre-eclampsia (PE).
  • These factors contribute to intrauterine growth restriction and abnormal birth weight.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the metabolic basis of PE and its connection to adverse intrauterine growth.
  • To examine the role of leptin in these conditions.
  • To describe mechanisms linking leptin to fetal growth restriction.

Main Methods:

  • This is a review article.
  • It synthesizes existing research on leptin, PE, and fetal growth.
  • Analysis focuses on maternal, fetal, and placental compartments.

Main Results:

  • Leptin is dysregulated across maternal, fetal, and placental compartments in PE.
  • No single mechanism explains PE; leptin regulation is context-specific.
  • Leptin's role in fetal growth is complex and multifaceted throughout pregnancy.

Conclusions:

  • Dysregulated leptin is implicated in fetal growth issues in PE.
  • Leptin interacts with multiple pregnancy systems.
  • These complex interactions occur throughout gestation.

Keywords:
anthropometrybirth weightfetal developmentfetal growth restrictioninfant growthleptinpre-eclampsiaprenatal growth

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