Anargyros Kourtis et al.
Clinical endocrinology, 75(3), 367-371 (2011-04-28)
Apelin is an adipokine secreted from adipose and other tissues with increased expression in obesity, role in glucose metabolism and atherosclerosis, as well as in oxidative stress. Pregnancy is considered a state of hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress and decreased insulin sensitivity.