Tandem Repeats of the Catt Element of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Gene May Predict Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Severity

Abstract

Previous investigations have demonstrated the association of the CATT repeated allele in the Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) with obesity and diabetes. Since there are common risk factors and molecular pathways in Type 2 Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), we focused on the associations of MIF variation with GDM. In a case-control study we enrolled 157 GDM and 217 healthy pregnant women, referred to the outpatient clinic of Shariati Hospital. The different repeats of CATT in MIF promoter were determined. MIF relative gene expression was evaluated in Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of all the participants. The GDM group had higher mean age and pre-gravid BMI. Also fasting serum glucose, insulin and MIF gene expression were significantly higher in the GDM patients. The statistically significant difference was observed between GDM and a healthy group in carrying 7-CATT allele and MIF gene expression. Regarding GDM risk factors, MIF 7-CATT allele showed significant relation with pre-pregnancy obesity, as well as the need for insulin therapy. Our results indicate that an association between MIF genotypes and its expression with GDM, obesity and the need of insulin for management of GDM patients exists.