Protein-9 (CTRP9) levels associated with C1q tumor necrosis factor in obese preeclamptic, non-obese preeclamptic, obese and normal pregnant women

Abstract

Aim

The incidence of obesity and preeclampsia is increasing more and more all over the world. Inflammation and endovascular dysfunction play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of preeclampsia. Obesity has been reported to contribute to the development of preeclampsia by developing a low-grade inflammatory environment and adversely affecting maternal endothelial function. Studies on the relationship between obesity and preeclampsia and how this relationship contributes to endothelial dysfunction continue. The complement C1q tumor necrosis factor-associated protein (CTRP) family (CTRP1-15) secreted from the adipose tissue is a new generation adipokine family with important functions in the immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, apoptosis, autoimmunity, vascular system, glucose and lipid metabolism in the body. In recent years, CTRP9, a member of this family, has been shown to have a strong vasorelaxation effect with the Adiponectin Receptor-1/AMPK/eNOS/Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway. The study aims to find out the role of CTRP9, an adipocytokine, in the pathogenesis of obesity and preeclampsia.

Material and method

The CTRP9 levels were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 40 obese preeclamptic, 40 non-obese preeclamptic, 40 obese pregnant women and 40 normal BMI (Body mass index) pregnant women.

Results

The CTRP9 level of the obese preeclampsia group was found to be lower compared to the non-obese preeclampsia, obese pregnant and normal BMI pregnant control groups (p < .001). The obese preeclampsia group had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure values compared to the non-obese preeclampsia group (p < .001). There was no difference between the CTRP9 levels of the normal BMI and non-obese preeclampsia groups (p > .05). The serum CTRP9 levels were inversely correlated with age, BMI, blood pressure, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p < .001).

Conclusion

Obesity causes a decrease in CTRP9 levels and contributes to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia with adverse effects on the vascular and placental system. Serum CTRP9 levels in pregnant women help identify pregnancies at risk in terms of obesity and preeclampsia.

Keywords:

• Preeclampsia
• obesity
• adipokine
• CTRP9
• vascular

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).