Serum levels of the adipokine fibroblast growth factor-21 are increased in preeclampsia

► Dysregulation of adipokines contributes to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE). ► Serum levels of the adipokine FGF-21 were investigated in PE and control patients. ► FGF-21 is significantly increased during pregnancy in PE as compared to controls. ► Triglycerides, GFR, and LDL cholesterol are independent predictors of FGF-21. ► FGF-21 in PE declines after pregnancy approaching levels of former control patients.