Adipokines are signaling
proteins involved in metabolic, endocrinological, vascular and immunogenic processes. Associations of various
adipokines with not only
insulin resistance but also with increased
insulin sensitivity, increased systolic blood pressure, and
atherosclerosis highlight the significance of
adipokines in several components of
metabolic syndrome and
metabolic diseases in general. As pregnancy presents a unique metabolic state, the role of
adipokines in pregnancy, and even in various
pregnancy complications, appears to be key to elucidating these metabolic processes. Many studies in recent years have attempted to clarify the role of
adipokines in pregnancy and gestational pathologies. In this review, we aim to investigate the changes in maternal
adipokine levels in physiological gestation, as well as the association of
adipokines with pregnancy pathologies, such as
gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and
preeclampsia (PE). Furthermore, we will analyze the association of
adipokines in both maternal serum and cord blood with parameters of intrauterine growth and various pregnancy outcomes.