Abstract
The exact role of adipokines in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) still remains not fully clear, and multiple studies have analyzed their potential contribution to the pathophysiology of this pregnancy complication. This study is aimed at evaluating serum chemerin, lipocalin 2, and apelin concentrations in GDM and healthy pregnant patients, assessing the correlation between these adipokines, and suggesting the potential role of these cytokines in the diagnosis and pathophysiology of GDM. The study comprised 237 pregnant women: 153 with GDM and 84 with physiological pregnancy. Serum concentrations of chemerin, lipocalin 2, and apelin were obtained at 24–29 weeks of gestation. The mean concentrations of chemerin and lipocalin 2 were significantly higher in the GDM group. The concentration of apelin was slightly higher in the GDM group, but not statistically significant. The strong positive correlation between chemerin and lipocalin 2 concentrations was noticed in both groups. Our data suggest that maternal chemerin and lipocalin 2 may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of GDM. We imply that these adipokines could potentially be established as novel biomarkers for the early identification of GDM. However, more studies are needed to analyze the effect of these adipokines on glucose metabolism during early pregnancy.
Highlights
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most frequent medical and metabolic complication characterising pregnant women
There were no significant differences between the GDM group and the control group with regard to maternal age, gravidity, estimated fetal weight (EFW), gestational age, and body mass index (BMI) at blood collection
Gestational diabetes mellitus is a widespread condition observed in a large population of pregnant patients
Summary
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most frequent medical and metabolic complication characterising pregnant women. It should be emphasized that GDM patients have a significantly increased risk for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in future life [4]. Their offspring are at higher risk of fostering obesity and impaired glucose metabolism in later life. Pregnancy is characterized by decreased insulin sensitivity [5]. Decreased maternal prepregnancy insulin sensitivity and preconception insulin resistance, impaired insulin response during the pregnancy, and insulin-producing β-cells dysfunction are believed to be the most important components of the pathophysiology of GDM development [5]. Insulin resistance is considered a physiological metabolic change during pregnancy, which provides a suitable concentration of glucose for the metabolic needs of the rapidly growing fetus
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