The Effect of EPH- Gestosis on Plasma Leptin concentration

Abstract

Edema-proteinuria-hypertension-gestosis complex develops in late pregnancy and is usually associated with placenta hypoxia and dysfunction. Leptin, the obsess gene product, is adipocyte-derived hormone that reduces calorie intake and body fat consequently results in weight lost. Recently it had been shown to be synthesized in an secreted form placental trophoblast cells and elevated levels found during pregnancy.
In this study, we examine the changes in the leptin concentrations in normal and EPH gestosis pregnancies of the same gestational age. Plasma leptin levels in EPH gestosis women we5re elevated significantly compare with gestational age and body mass index match normal pregnancy Nigeria Women (P<0.001). Plasma leptin levels were significantly higher in the severe EPH-gestosis group (P<0.001). The study shows that in EPH-gestosis, the leptin plasma concentration is elevated because of placental hypoxia and thus suggesting the possible significance of leptin as a maker of placental hypoxia in severe EPH-gestosis.


NQJHM Vol. 13 (3-4) 2003: pp. 56-57