Alterations in circulating adiponectin levels occur rapidly after parturition.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the levels of adiponectin and its subforms before and immediately after delivery to estimate the effect of cessating advanced pregnancy on circulating adiponectin levels.


METHODS
In a cohort of 37 women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies and 6 women with twin pregnancies, serum adiponectin was measured before caesarean section (CS) in the fasting state, and 24 and 48 h after CS.


RESULTS
Serum adiponectin levels declined within 24 h of delivery from median 8.34 mg/l (range 5.57-20.47) to 6.81 mg/l (4.16-17.39) after 24 h and 6.84 mg/l (3.83-17.42) after 48 h. This corresponded to a relative decrease to 83+/-6 and 81+/-7% of pregnant values after 24 and 48 h respectively (P<0.001, ANOVA). In twin pregnancies, maternal adiponectin levels displayed a decrease that was the same as that displayed by them after birth (P<0.001). High-molecular weight adiponectin constituted 50+/-8% (range 34-68%) of total adiponectin. Absolute changes in adiponectin levels after delivery were most pronounced in this subfraction. The percentage medium-molecular weight adiponectin decreased slightly, but significantly (from 37+/-6 to 35+/-5%, P<0.001), and a similar statistically significant rise was observed in the low-molecular weight fraction (from 13+/-2 to 15+/-3%; P<0.001) within 48 h of delivery.


CONCLUSIONS
Decreases in adiponectin levels occur shortly after delivery, and adiponectin subforms initiate the changes towards the non-pregnant state.
Fuglsang
Jens
J
Gynaecological/Obstetrical Research Laboratory, Gynaecological/Obstetrical Department, Clinical Institute, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark. fuglsang@ki.au.dk
Sandager
Puk
P
Frystyk
Jan
J
Møller
Niels
N
Flyvbjerg
Allan
A
Ovesen
Per
P
D052242:Adiponectin / Q000097:blood*; D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors
D052242:Adiponectin