Endothelin-1 and Leptin as Markers of Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Objective: To explore the role of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and leptin in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) among preec¬lamptic and non-preeclamptic women.Materials and Methods: 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.Results: 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 non-preeclamptic 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.Conclusion: 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.