Endocrine Abstracts

Objectives: The insulin-sensitivity regulator adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) integrates metabolic and inflammatory responses. We hypothesize that there is relationship between FABP4 and factors related to metabolic syndrome in pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).

Materials and methods: In this prospective observational study, among the 72 relatively overweight (BMI≥24 kg/m²) nulliparous women, 14 developed non-proteinuric PIH and 12 developed proteinuric PIH (preeclampsia), whereas 46 had normotensive pregnancies. was assessed insulin sensitivity via the whole-body insulin sensitivity index (ISI) and the homeostatic model of assessment – insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) at 24 weeks of gestation. Maternal serum levels of FABP4, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), total testosterone, SHBG and non-protein-bound calculated free testosterone (cfT) were determined at 24 and 32 weeks.

Results: Measures of ISI, HOMA-IR, hs-CRP, testosterone and lipids did not differ at 24 and/or at 32 weeks in women who were subsequently hypertensive. SBP was higher at all time points and FABP4 levels tended to be higher at 24 and 32 weeks in patients compared to controls. In logistic regression analysis, baseline FABP4 (P=0.04, r²=0.06) and SBP after 10 min standing (P=0.015, r² =0.09) were associated with the development of PIH. FABP4 levels at 24 weeks did not correlate with insulin sensitivity. Neither was correlation seen between FABP4 levels at 24 and 32 weeks, vs those of hs-CRP and testosterone.

Conclusions: This prospective study showed that the serum FABP4 concentration and SBP after 10 min standing at 24 weeks are associated with the development of PIH.