Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2006 May;49(5):1007-1016.

Plasma sex steroid hormones and leptin levels in preeclampsia

• Kim KH
• Lee KS

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to measure maternal plasma androgens, estrogen and leptin levels and to assess the role of these hormones in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
METHODS
The groups consisted of 32 healthy pregnant women as well as 28 pregnant women with severe preeclampsia. Plasma leptin, total testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and androstenedione (ADD) levels were measured. Statistical analysis was achieved with Student's t-test by using SPSS for Windows and the Pearson's coefficient of correlation was calculated.
RESULTS
No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding age, gestational age, body mass index, parity, hematocrit and platelet, whereas significant differences were noted regarding systolic and diastolic blood pressure, gestational weeks at delivery, birth weight, serum creatinine, uric acid and urea (p<0.05). In preeclampsia group, serum total testosterone and ADD levels were determined to be higher than the control group (p<0.05). However, there was no significant differences in plasma levels of DHEAS and E2 among the two groups. The plasma levels of leptin were not significantly increased in the preeclampsia group. Serum testosterone levels were positively correlated with systolic and diastolic pressure and uric acid and negatively correlated with birth weight.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that the elevated plasma levels of testosterone could contribute to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Keyword

Testosterone; Estradiol; Leptin; Preeclampsia

MeSH Terms

Androgens
Androstenedione
Birth Weight
Blood Platelets
Blood Pressure
Body Mass Index
Creatinine
Dehydroepiandrosterone
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate
Estradiol
Estrogens
Female
Gestational Age
Gonadal Steroid Hormones*
Hematocrit
Humans
Leptin*
Parity
Plasma*
Pre-Eclampsia*
Pregnant Women
Testosterone
Urea
Uric Acid
Androgens
Androstenedione
Creatinine
Dehydroepiandrosterone
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate
Estradiol
Estrogens
Gonadal Steroid Hormones
Leptin
Testosterone
Urea
Uric Acid