Adipokine visfatin as a response of an efficient placenta to key pregnancy risk factors

Visfatin is a multifunctional adipokine, primarily produced by visceral fat but also expressed in the placenta, where it may contribute to pregnancy regulation. Obesity, advanced maternal age are associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, increasing the risk of pregnancy complications. Understanding placental adaptations to these factors is essential for improving maternal and fetal health outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between placental visfatin levels, maternal pre-pregnancy body weight status, age, 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) - a biomarker of nitrative stress, to explore potential links between these factors and placental function in an uncomplicated pregnancy.

This retrospective cohort study analyzed placental tissues collected from 39 parturients immediately after birth. ELISA assays measured term placental visfatin and 3-NT levels. Maternal parameters, including BMI, gestational weight gain, gestational age, and pregnancy-related comorbidities, were recorded. Pearson correlation and multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess associations between visfatin levels, BMI, age, and oxidative stress markers.

Visfatin concentrations were significantly higher in women with pre-pregnancy obesity (p < 0.042). Visfatin correlated with 3-NT levels (r = 0.46; p < 0.003) and maternal age (r = 0.35; p < 0.030). In women ≤35 years, visfatin correlated positively with BMI, independent of gestational age and weight at term (r = 0.42; p < 0.031).

Elevated visfatin concentration in an effectively functioning term placenta may result from maternal pre-pregnancy obesity, maternal age, oxidative and nitrative stress (3-NT). This supports the idea that in physiological pregnancy visfatin contributes to placental processes that sustain and maintain healthy pregnancy outcomes in women with pregnancy risk factors.