Objective: Association of maternal angiopoietin-like protein 6 (Angptl6) levels with subsequent development of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).
Methods: At 24 and 32 weeks of gestation in 47 relatively overweight (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m(2)), nulliparous pregnant women serum concentrations of Angptl6 were quantified prospectively. Insulin sensitivity and lipids were measured at 24 weeks.
Results: Angptl6 levels at 24 weeks, but not at 32 weeks, were significantly higher in women with subsequent PIH. Metabolic factors at 24 weeks did not correlate with Angptl6 levels.
Conclusion: This preliminary study suggests that in the second trimester, Angptl6 levels are higher in women with subsequent PIH.