Objectives: To investigate −2548 G/A polymorphism of LEP gene, plasma leptin and soluble leptin receptor in preeclampsia/pregnancy induced hypertension.
Methods: Sixty-two patients and 63 controls (normal pregnancies) studied in the third trimester. Leptin and soluble leptin receptor measured by enzyme immunosorbent assay and −2548 G/A polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction enzyme digestion.
Results: Frequency of the AA genotype was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in patients. The A allele conferred a relative risk of 1.67 for the disease (p < 0.0001). Preeclampsia/pregnancy induced hypertension significantly (p < 0.001 to 0.0001) affected leptin and soluble leptin receptor concentrations, free leptin index and leptin normalized to body mass index. Genotype significantly (p < 0.05) influenced only the soluble leptin receptor concentrations.
Conclusions: Preeclampsia/pregnancy induced hypertension appears to be associated with higher circulating leptin and lower SLR levels, and with the AA genotype of −2548 G/A polymorphism of the leptin gene.