An evaluation of serum leptin dynamics in Preeclampsia at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital

ABSTRACT Background: Preeclampsia is a peculiar human pregnancy condition with heightened immune response, oxidative stress, hypoxia and reduced angiogenesis. These features of preeclampsia which are influenced by leptin which causes endothelial dysfunction; the main pathology of this condition. Hypertension, which is a diagnostic marker of preeclampsia, is also associated with increased leptin level. This implicates leptin in preeclampsia pathogenesis. Data from Caucasians and Asians show higher leptin level in preeclamptic subjects and also leptin as a contributory factor to preeclamsia severity but such data is non-existent in the Ghanaian population. Aim: To determine and correlate maternal serum leptin levels in normotensive pregnant and preeclamptic women and to relate these to the gestational age of delivery and birthweight. Methodology: The study used a case control study design and recruited 144 consenting participants. Blood samples were drawn for hematological and biochemical analysis. Maternal serum obtained from the blood samples were used for leptin Quantification by ELISA. Results: There was no significant difference in the leptin level between both cases and controls or the mild and severe preeclampsia cases with p>0.05. There was no correlation between leptin level and blood pressure for the controls, cases, mild preeclampsia and severe preeclampsia. The birth weight of cases was significantly higher than that of the controls. Conclusion: Preeclampsia pathogenesis and severity in Ghanaian patients is not associated with maternal circulating leptin levels.