Adipokines and insulin resistance during pregnancy

Abstract

Normal pregnancy has been characterized as a "diabetogenic state". On the other hand, the adipose tissue is now considered an active organ, capable of secreting substances such as adipokines, which may play a role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. Resistin, leptin serum and placental levels increase as pregnancy progresses, which is in contrast to levels of adiponectin. These levels correlate with the state of reduced insulin sensitivity often developed in the latter stages of pregnancy. The objective of this article is to review recent advances in our understanding of adipokines and insulin resistance during pregnancy.