Serum levels of sirtuins, leptin and adiponectin in women with pregnancy-induced hypertension.

INTRODUCTION

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and preeclampsia (PE) are associated with disturbed maternal inflammatory response, oxidative stress and vascular endothelial cell dysfunction. Obesity is one of risk factors of PE. Leptin is elevated in obesity and its level correlates positively with the amount of adipose tissue. In contrast, adiponectin levels are decreased in obesity. Sirtuins are expressed in the placenta, however their role in pregnancy-related pathology in humans is not known.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of our study was to measure serum concentrations of selected sirtuins, adiponectin and leptin in healthy pregnancy and in women with PIH.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The study included 70 women: 38 healthy pregnant women and 32 women with PIH. Blood samples were obtained between the 20th and 40th week of gestation. Serum levels of sirtuins 1, 3, 6, leptin and adiponectin were measured with ELISA.

RESULTS

Leptin levels were significantly higher in PIH group as compared to the controls and correlated positively with BMI. Highest leptin levels were observed in women who needed a cesarean section. Levels of sirtuins 1, 3 and 6 were similar in both groups and did not correlate with BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

High leptin levels in PIH women during 3rd trimester might be helpful to predict the necessity for a caesarian section. Blood levels of sirtuins 1, 3 and 6 measured after the 20th week of gestation cannot be regarded as a single diagnostic test for PIH or preeclampsia. More studies to clarify significance of sirtuins in PIH and PE development and diagnosis are needed.