Zinc-α2-Glycoprotein Is Unrelated to Gestational Diabetes: Anthropometric and Metabolic Determinants in Pregnant Women and Their Offspring

Silvia Näf,Rosa Elena Yañez,Mónica Ballesteros,Joan Vendrell,Xavier Escote,Pilar Gil,Ana Megia,Inmaculada Simón,Suresh Yenugu

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0047601

Abstract

ContextZinc-α2-Glycoprotein (ZAG) is an adipokine with lipolytic action and is positively associated with adiponectin in adipose tissue. We hypothesize that ZAG may be related with hydrocarbonate metabolism disturbances observed in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyze serum ZAG concentration and its relationship with carbohydrate metabolism in pregnant women and its influence on fetal growth.Design207 pregnant women (130 with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and 77 with GDM) recruited in the early third trimester and their offspring were studied. Cord blood was obtained at delivery and neonatal anthropometry was assessed in the first 48 hours. ZAG was determined in maternal serum and cord blood.ResultsZAG concentration was lower in cord blood than in maternal serum, but similar concentration was observed in NGT and GDM pregnant women. Also similar levels were found between offspring of NGT and GDM women. In the bivariate analysis, maternal ZAG (mZAG) was positively correlated with adiponectin and HDL cholesterol, and negatively correlated with insulin and triglyceride concentrations, and HOMA index. On the other hand, cord blood ZAG (cbZAG) was positively correlated with fat-free mass, birth weight and gestational age at delivery. After adjusting for confounding variables, gestational age at delivery and HDL cholesterol emerged as the sole determinants of cord blood ZAG and maternal ZAG concentrations, respectively.ConclusionmZAG was not associated with glucose metabolism during pregnancy. ZAG concentration was lower in cord blood compared with maternal serum. cbZAG was independently correlated with gestational age at delivery, suggesting a role during the accelerated fetal growth during latter pregnancy.

Highlights

Late pregnancy is characterized by an insulin resistance state which involves changes in lipid and glucose metabolism [1] to meet the increased metabolic demands of the fetus
ZAG concentration was lower in cord blood than in maternal serum, but similar concentration was observed in normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) pregnant women
Conclusion: maternal ZAG (mZAG) was not associated with glucose metabolism during pregnancy

Summary

Introduction

Late pregnancy is characterized by an insulin resistance state which involves changes in lipid and glucose metabolism [1] to meet the increased metabolic demands of the fetus. The decrease in insulin sensitivity is offset by an increase of pancreatic insulin secretion, but when this mechanism is insufficient, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) develops. Adipose tissue has a recognized capacity to secrete several hormones called adipokines, which modulate the action of insulin in different tissues, including adipocytes themselves [2]. There is growing interest in the role of these adipokines as contributors to the metabolic abnormalities both in the mother and the fetus, observed in the GDM context. Up-regulation of adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein and of retinol-binding protein 4 in mothers has been related with GDM insulin-resistant condition [7]

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Conclusion