Relationship between Serum visfatin with anthropometric indices and maternal gestational weight gain

Visfatin is an Adipokine secreted from adipose tissue that seems to be related to weight gain during pregnancy. Therefore, this study was performed with aim to determine the relationship between serum visfatin levels in pregnancy with anthropometric indices and maternal gestational weight gain. This cohort study was conducted on 56 pregnant women aged 18-40 years at first trimester of pregnancy who had referred to populous health comprehensive centers for prenatal care from December 2015 to September 2016. Pregnant women were divided in terms of BMI before pregnancy to two groups: A (normal BMI) and B (BMI higher than normal). Serum visfatin level was measured in gestational age of 6-12 and 15-20 weeks by ELISA method. Data collection method included observation, examination and interview with patient using the questionnaire in three parts: personal information, maternal medical and obstetric history, and fetal variables, laboratory results. Data was analyzed by SPSS software and Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, Regression and Spearman ranking correlation tests. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Mean serum visfatin significantly increased from first to second trimesters in both groups (Pa=0.005, Pb=0.001 in A and B groups, respectively). Mean serum visfatin levels at second trimester was significantly higher in B group than A group (p=0.04). Maternal weight gain during second trimester of pregnancy was significantly higher in A group compared with B group (p=0.03). In group A, second trimester visfatin levels had positive and significant relationship with third trimester BMI (p=0.01, r= 0.54). An incremental pattern of maternal plasma visfatin concentration with pregnancy progression in pregnant women with normal BMI may be a function of incremental changes in visceral adipose tissue, which contributes to increased flexibility of maternal metabolism in pregnancy and reduced incidence of metabolic diseases.