Abstract: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), a new member of lipocalin family, is a fatty cytokine or an inflammatory factor. NGAL participates in various physiological and pathological processes, such as embryonic development, cell differentiation, apoptosis, tumor occurrence and development, inflammatory immune response, glucose and lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance. Hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and premature birth, three kinds of common pregnancy-related diseases, are closely related to the inflammatory reaction, glucose and lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance. These diseases seriously affect the outcome of pregnancy and the prognosis of mothers and infants. It was reported that NGAL also played an important role in pregnancy-related diseases such as hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy, GDM and premature birth. This article will review the research progress of NGAL and pregnancy related diseases.

Key words: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, Adipokines, Inflammation mediators, Insulin resistance, Pregnancy complications