Inverse correlation between insulin-like growth factor-1 and leptin levels in preeclampsia

Background: Preeclampsia is the major cause of maternofetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system has a crucial role in correct embryonic and placental development and growth. Conflicting data are available regarding IGF-1 in preeclamptic mothers. The extent to which leptin per se mediates the fetal growth and developmental abnormalities associated with preeclampsia remains to be clarified. Aim: Hence, the present study was planned to assess IGF-1 and leptin levels in maternal and cord blood of preeclamptics and to compare them with normotensive pregnant women. Subjects and Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry in collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pt. B.D. Sharma, PGIMS, Rohtak. Totally, 25 normotensive pregnant and 25 preeclamptic women were enrolled, and serum leptin and IGF-1 levels were analyzed in maternal and cord blood of women by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: IGF-I levels were lowered in maternal blood of preeclamptic as compared to normotensive mothers (P < 0.001). Leptin levels were significantly increased in preeclamptic mothers as compared to normotensive mothers (P < 0.001). Leptin had a positive correlation with IGF in both groups and it is highly statistically significant in preeclamptic mothers. Conclusion: Findings of the present study suggest that IGF-1 and leptin play a central role in controlling fetal growth.