Endothelin-1 and leptin as markers of intrauterine growth restriction

ABSTRACT

To explore the role of endothelin-1 [ET-1] and leptin in intrauterine growth restriction [IUGR] among preeclamptic and non-preeclamptic women. Forty patients with a pregnancy complicated by IUGR, 20 cases with severe pre-eclampsia and 20 cases non-preeclamptic were enrolled. Control group comprised 15 cases with uncomplicated pregnancy. Blood sample from umbilical artery and maternal venous blood were collected at the time of delivery for ET-1 and leptin levels. Mode of delivery, birth weight and Apgar score were recorded. The mean maternal and fetal ET-1 was significantly higher in pregnancies complicated by IUGR than in control group. The mean maternal leptin was significantly higher in preeclamptic patients when compared to nonpreeclamptic and control groups. Mean fetal leptin was significantly lower in patients than in control; however fetal leptin was corrected to fetal weight, it was insignificantly different in both groups. Maternal plasma ET-1 and leptin correlates with the degree of fetal growth restriction originating from deterioration of placental function. Maternal plasma leptin and ET-1 levels may reflect deterioration in fetal growth