Glycodelin Levels Research Articles

The evaluation of maternal serum glycodelin level as a marker for the presence and severity of preeclampsia

Abstract Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a common multisystemic disorder of pregnancy. Glycodelin is a glycoprotein belongs to the lipocalin superfamily. It acts as a regulator of immunosuppression activity, fertilization, implantation, and placentation. Objectives: To analyze serum glycodelin levels in PE and evaluate whether it correlates with the severity of the disease. Materials and Methods: A prospective case–control study included 60 women diagnosed with PE (subdivided into 30 pregnant women with mild PE and 30 pregnant women with severe PE) and 30 healthy normotensive pregnant women. Patient with multiple pregnancies, gestational trophoblastic diseases, in active labor, a history of medical diseases, or taking treatment were excluded from the study. Blood samples were taken for biochemical study; serum glycodelin levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Patients with PE had significantly higher mean glycodelin levels as compared to the normal group. The glycodelin level ≥37.9 ng/mL had 96.70% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 98% accuracy for the prediction of PE. The mean glycodelin was significantly higher in severe PE (102.3 ± 51.3) as compared to mild PE (45.2 ± 7.3) in pregnant women (P < 0.001). The glycodelin level ≥50.1 ng/mL had 86.7% sensitivity, 80% specificity, and 85% accuracy for the prediction of severe PE. Conclusions: Glycodelin is an appropriate marker for the diagnosis of PE and the categorization of disease according to severity.

Correlation of the zinc level in the spermoplasm with the fertility characteristics of human ejaculate

Background: Zinc is essential for the normal functioning of the male reproductive system. The data on the diagnostic value of the zinc level in the human spermoplasm and its relationship with the main parameters of the sperm fertility are contradictory. Aim: study of the correlations between the zinc level in the spermoplasm and the spermogram characteristics. Methods: The sperm of men of the reproductive age (n=486, average age 33.07±3.03 years) was studied. In addition to the standard spermogram, MAR tests (IgA, IgG and IgM) were performed in the sperm samples, the degree of fragmentation of the sperm DNA, the sperm interaction with hyaluronic acid, the acrosine activity, and the neutral alpha-glucosidase activity were assessed, the citric acid, fructose and glycodelin levels were determined, and the level of reactive oxygen species was studied. The zinc level determination in the spermoplasm was carried out by a standard spectrophotometric method with 5-Br-PAPS chromogen. The Pearson's formula was used for the correlation analysis. The study was conducted from 2018 to May 2022, once. Results: A significant negative correlation of the zinc level in the spermoplasm with the age of men was revealed (r=-0.16; p 0.001). The level of zinc in the spermoplasm weakly negatively correlated with the dilution time and with the viscosity of the sperm. The positive correlation was found with the number of spermatozoa (r=0.13; p 0.01) and their mobility (r=0.38; p 0.00001). The level of zinc in the spermoplasm negatively correlated with the degree of the sperm DNA fragmentation and with the amount of reactive oxygen species, and positively correlated with the results of the test for binding to hyaluronic acid. Conclusions: The level of zinc in the spermoplasm significantly correlates with a number of physiological and biochemical characteristics of the sperm. The data obtained allow us to recommend determination of the zinc level in the sperm plasma to not only assess the functional activity of the prostate gland, but also to diagnose the fertility of the ejaculate, as well as to optimize the therapy with zinc-containing drugs and improve the control over the effectiveness of the treatment.

The differences of glycodelin and uterus NK cell expression in obese and non-obese rats (Rattus norvegicus)

HIGHLIGHTS1. Obesity increases the risk of comorbidities especially for the pregnancy.2. The study analyzed glycodelin levels and uterine NK cell expression using Rattus norvegicus as animal model.3. uNK cell expression of the obese rats group was higher as the marker of chronic inflammation for obesity.4. Although there was increasing uNK cells in obese rats group, this result was not followed by the level of gycodelin.ABSTRACTObjectives: To prove the existence of differences in glycodelin levels and uterine NK cell expression in obese and non-obese female white rats of Wistar strain (Rattus norvegicus).Materials and Methods: . This study used a randomized post-test only controlled group design. This in vivo study used two groups of female rats (Rattus norvegicus). Group 1 was treated with the high obese diet for eight weeks, and group 2 was not treated with the high obese diet. After eight weeks, the rats were weighed, the proestrus phase was synchronized, and then the rats were terminated.Results: In this study, there was no significant difference in glycodelin levels between the obese and non-obese groups with a p= 0.821 (p >0.05). Significant differences were found in uterine NK cell expression between obese dan non-obese groups with p=0.001 (p <0.05). The correlation test of glycodelin levels and uterine NK cell expression showed insignificant results with a correlation coefficient of 0.120 and p=0.513. This proved that there was no significant correlation between glycodelin levels and uterine NK cell expression.Conclusion: There was no significant difference between glycodelin levels and uterine NK cell expression in obese and non-obese female white rats of Wistar strain (Rattus norvegicus).

Is there any relationship between glycodelin levels and perinatal outcomes?

Is there any relationship between glycodelin levels and perinatal outcomes?

Analysis of Glycodelin Levels Before and After Hysteroscopic Polypectomy in Infertile Patients

Abstract Glycodelin (or placental protein 14) is a glycoprotein located in the glandular and thin epithelium of the endometrium. It is considered an important factor in the implantation process, and its traces can be found in elevated concentrations in the uterine flushing obtained at the time of implantation, while in the proliferative phase of the cycle, its levels are low. A certain concentration has been found to inhibit the binding of spermatozoids to the zona pellucida of the oocites therefore, it effects conception. It has a role in angiogenesis and is in high concentrations in the tissues of both benign and malignant gynaecological tumours. The aim of this study is to analyse and display the glycodelin level changes before and after hysteroscopic polypectomy in infertile patients in the uterine flushing fluid and serum. This survey covers 80 infertile patients, who were divided into two groups. The first group, the experimental group, consisted of 50 infertile patients with endometrial polyps, and a control group of 30 infertile patients without endometrial polyps was also included. The results primarily indicate the existence of changes in glycodelin levels preoperatively in the flushing and venous blood in infertile patients with endometrial polyps compared with the levels after surgery. In the control group of patients, no significant change in the glycodelin levels was detected in the flushing and venous blood. When comparing these two groups, statistically significant differences in the glycodelin levels in the flushing and venous blood were noted. We conclude that the presence of endometrial polyps in the cavum uteri affects the increase in the glycodelin concentration in the flushing fluid and in the plasma. Increased glycodelin concentrations complicate fertilization and implantation.

Higher follicular fluid glycodelin levels are negatively correlated with embryonic development in assisted reproduction.

Objective:To investigate the possible effect of follicular fluid glycodelin levels on the quality of developing oocytes and subsequent in vitro embryo development.Methods:Follicular fluid glycodelin levels of 145 patients undergoing assisted reproductive treatment were analyzed and the correlation between glycodelin levels and ART outcomes were evaluated.Results:We found that glycodelin levels were negatively correlated with the number of high quality embryos on day 3 (r=-0.20, p=0.05). Additionally, higher glycodelin levels were correlated with higher FSH levels (r=0.18, p=0.04). However, glycodelin levels were not predictive for implantation (p=0.67) or ongoing pregnancy rates (p=0.99).Conclusion:Glycodelin in the follicular environment might be one of the factors that influence the competence of growing oocytes and affect the quality of subsequent in vitro embryo development.

Maternal serum glycodelin levels in preeclampsia and its relationship with the severity of the disease

Purpose: Preeclampsia, in which insufficient trophoblastic invasion is thought to be one of the underlying mechanisms, is a common pregnancy disorder. Glycodelin is a regulator of immunosuppression, fertilization, implantation, and placentation. Because of its inhibitory effects on trophoblastic activity, trophoblast invasion is disturbed when its levels alter. We aimed to analyze serum glycodelin levels in preeclampsia and evaluate whether it correlates with the severity of disease.Methods: This is a prospective case–control study conducted in a research and training hospital between March and September 2016. In this study, a total of 55 preeclamptic and 65 healthy pregnants were included. Preeclamptic patients were divided into two subgroups: 25 severe and 30 mild. Maternal serum glycodelin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: Glycodelin levels were higher in preeclamptic group as compared with controls (71.38 ± 22.78 versus 42.32 ± 12.28 ng/ml, p < .001). Also, it was higher in severe preeclampsia than the mild group (84.19 ± 24.58 versus 60.71 ± 14.4 ng/ml, p < .001). Glycodelin was positively correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressures (r = 0.637 and r = 0.714, respectively, p < .001), aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (r = 0.369, p = .006 and r = 0.377, p = .005) and proteinuria (r = 0.342, p = .011). Moreover, it was correlated with birth weights and gestational age at delivery (r = −0.386, p = .004 and r = −0.394, p = .003, respectively). The role of glycodelin to diagnose preeclampsia was evaluated by receiver operating curve (ROC) curve. Area under the curve for glycodelin is 0.897 with p < .001. The sensitivity of glycodelin was 83.6% and the specificity was 80% at a threshold >53.64 ng/ml. Moreover, area under the curve for glycodelin to diagnose severe preeclampsia is 0.788 with p < .001. The sensitivity of glycodelin was 59% and the specificity was 93.3% at a threshold >83.97 ng/ml.Conclusion: Glycodelin may be a promising marker in predicting the presence and severity of preeclampsia.

Endometrial flushing αVβ3 integrin, glycodelin and PGF2α levels for evaluating endometrial receptivity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, myoma uteri and endometrioma

The aim of this cross-sectional study is to compare endometrial flushing fluid levels of αVβ3 integrin, glycodelin and PGF2α during the midluteal phase of the menstrual cycle of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS, n = 20), myoma uteri (n = 20) and endometrioma (n = 19) with the healthy controls (n = 20). After collecting samples at the midluteal phase of ovulatory volunteers and storing them at −80 °C, αVβ3 integrin, glycodelin and PGF2α levels were analyzed using ELISA. The mean ages of the groups were 28.90 ± 5.45, 37.25 ± 2.73, 32.84 ± 6.62 and 32.15 ± 5.18 in PCOS, myoma uteri, endometrioma and control groups, respectively. The αVβ3 integrin level (ng/ml) was statistically significantly higher in endometrioma group (9.70 ± 1.72, p < 0.05) as compared to myoma uteri and control groups. Similarly, glycodelin level (ng/ml) was significantly higher in endometrioma group (341.04 ± 93.32) than PCOS (p < 0.01), myoma uteri (p < 0.001) and healthy subjects (p < 0.001). Moreover, PGF2α level (350.04 ± 464.50 ng/ml) was significantly higher in PCOS group relative to myoma uteri (p < 0.001), endometrioma (p < 0.05) and control (p < 0.05) groups. In conclusion, αVβ3 integrin level was significantly higher in endometrioma subjects than those with myoma uteri and control groups; glycodelin level was significantly higher in endometrioma group than other three groups, and lastly, PCOS patients had significantly higher PGF2α levels than those patients with myoma uteri, endometrioma and controls.

Abstract 436: Glycodelin expression in endometrial carcinoma

Abstract Glycodelin is a lipocalin protein mainly expressed in well-differentiated epithelial cells in reproductive tissues, including endometrium and seminal vesicles. Previously, glycodelin has been shown to induce differentiation of endometrial carcinoma cells, which was associated with reduced xenograft tumor growth. Glycodelin is highly expressed in secretory endometrium, but not in proliferative or postmenopausal endometrium. While glycodelin is weakly, if at all, expressed in cancer tissues and, when expressed, associated with better prognosis, results regarding the expression of glycodelin in endometrial carcinoma are discordant. Therefore, we studied the expression of glycodelin in endometrial carcinoma and hyperplasia by immunohistochemical staining using highly validated antibody developed in house. Furthermore, the levels of mRNA were addressed utilizing in silico transcriptomics databases. Glycodelin transcripts were more abundant in normal uterus than in uterine carcinomas. Glycodelin staining in endometrial carcinoma sections was also much lower than that in secretory phase endometrium. Interestingly, in some endometrial hyperplasia samples glycodelin levels were much lower in hyperplastic regions of the sample as compared to those having normal histology. In conclusion, our data show that glycodelin is not highly expressed, if at all, in endometrial carcinoma tissues. This is in keeping with the reduced expression of glycodelin in postmenopausal endometrium and association of glycodelin in epithelial differentiation. Citation Format: Hannu Koistinen, Annukka Pasanen, Laura Hautala. Glycodelin expression in endometrial carcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 436.

Follicular phase serum and follicular fluid glycodelin measurements in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-antagonist assisted reproduction cycles: A prospective cohort study

To establish the serum pattern for glycodelin and to investigate the possible correlations of serum and follicular fluid (FF) glycodelin with clinical pregnancy in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-antagonist controlled cycles.A prospective observational study conducted with 80 infertile couples who received a GnRH-antagonist controlled cycle. Glycodelin levels were measured in FF, day 2-3, and ovarian pick-up (OPU)-day serum samples.There were no significant differences in serum glycodelin concentrations in either the early follicular phase or the preovulatory phase, and in FF glycodelin concentrations between clinically pregnant and non-pregnant patients. OPU-day serum glycodelin was found to be significantly higher than early follicular serum glycodelin level in all patients whether pregnancy occurred or not.Although day 2-3 and OPU-day measurements of serum glycodelin levels were not significant in predicting clinical pregnancy, the pattern of serum glycodelin seems different in GnRH-antagonist controlled cycles than natural and GnRH-agonist controlled cycles.

Predictivity of follicular phase serum and follicular fluid glycodelin levels on the clinical pregnancy in gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)-antagonist cycles

To investigate in the Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)-antagonist Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) cycles, whether serum Glycodelin (Gly) levels measured at day 3 and on oocyte pick-up (OPU) day, and follicular fluid (FF) Gly concentration can be used in the prediction of clinical pregnancy.

Glycodelin in endometrial flushing fluid and endometrial biopsies from infertile and fertile women

Objective To investigate in the natural cycle just before IVF, whether glycodelin levels in endometrial flushing fluid obtained days LH + 1 and LH + 7 can be used in predicting pregnancy in the following IVF cycle, and whether there are differences in women with tubal factor infertility compared to women with unexplained infertility and fertile controls. Study design A prospective observational multicentre study of 21 fertile and 75 infertile women (25 showed abnormal tubes with no signs of hydrosalpinges, 18 had uni- or bi-lateral hydrosalpinges, 17 were salpingectomised because of hydrosalpinges, and 15 women had unexplained infertility). Endometrial flushing at days LH + 1 and LH + 7, endometrial biopsy, and blood sampling at day LH + 7 were performed before down-regulation for IVF. Glycodelin levels in endometrial flushing fluids (EFF), biopsies, and plasma samples were related to tubal pathology, endometrial dating and IVF outcome. Furthermore, total protein concentration was measured in EFF to investigate the influence of normal endometrial maturation on protein concentrations from days LH + 1 and LH + 7. Results At day LH + 1, EFF glycodelin levels were higher in infertile women with abnormal tubes compared to fertile women, particularly in women conceiving after the following IVF. For women with unexplained infertility, a higher level at day LH + 1 was present only in women not conceiving after the following IVF. ROC curve analysis showed that at day LH + 1 EFF glycodelin levels had no predictive value for IVF outcome. At day LH + 7, glycodelin levels in endometrial flushing fluids and biopsies depended on endometrial dating. Conclusions At day LH + 1, glycodelin concentration is increased in endometrial flushing fluid from infertile women with abnormal tubes compared to fertile controls without being a valuable predictor of subsequent pregnancy. At day LH + 7 the glycodelin level depends on endometrial dating.

Serum glycodelin pattern during the menstrual cycle in healthy young women

Glycodelin (PP14) is produced by the epithelium of the endometrium and its determination in the serum is used for functional evaluation of this tissue. Given the complex regulation and the combined contraceptive and immunosuppressive roles of glycodelin, the current lack of normal values for its serum concentration in the physiological menstrual cycle, derived from a large sample number, is a problem. We have therefore established reference values from over 600 sera. Retrospective study using banked serum samples. University hospital. Measurement of blood samples daily or every second day during one full cycle. Serum concentrations of glycodelin and normal values for every such one- or two-day interval were calculated. Late luteal phase glycodelin levels were compared with ovarian hormones. Follicular phase levels were compared with stimulated cycles from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. Glycodelin concentrations were low around ovulation. Highest levels were observed at the end of the luteal phase; the glycodelin serum peak was reached 6-8 days after the one for progesterone. Late luteal glycodelin levels correlated negatively with the body mass index and positively with the progesterone level earlier in the secretory (mid-luteal) phase in the same woman. No associations with other ovarian hormones were observed. Follicular phase glycodelin levels were higher in the spontaneous than in the in vitro fertilization cycles. Normal values taken at two- or one-day intervals demonstrate the very late appearance of high serum glycodelin levels during the physiological menstrual cycle and their correlation with progesterone occurring earlier in the cycle.

Glycodelin in endometrial flushing fluid and endometrial biopsies from infertile and fertile women, and their relation to pregnancy after IVF

OBJECTIVE: To investigate glycodelin levels in endometrial flushing fluids and biopsies in fertile and infertile women prior to IVF treatment. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients: 75 infertile and 21 fertile women. All women were between 25 and 38 years of age, and had a normal body mass index (BMI) (19-26 kg/m2), regular periods (21-35 days), cigarette smoking < 10 cigarettes daily, and no hormonal treatments in the last 3 cycles before inclusion. The infertile patients were categorized into the following groups: tubal factor group (25 women with tubal factor infertility without hydrosalpinges, 18 women with hydrosalpinges present, 17 women after salpingectomy) unexplained infertility (15 women with normal plasma FSH, LH, prolactin and TSH on cycle day 2-5 and a normal HSG) and fertile reference group (21 women with a history of having delivered at least one child and no recurrent spontaneous abortions). The women were investigated twice in one cycle: Day LH+1: endometrial flushing. Day LH+7: endometrial flushing, endometrial biopsy and plasma glycodelin. Main outcome measures: Glycodelin levels in endometrial flushing fluids, biopsies and plasma, compared to endometrial dating and IVF outcome. RESULTS: Glycodelin levels in endometrial flushing fluids and biopsies at day LH+7 depended on endometrial dating, whereas day LH+1 flushing levels were independent. Infertile women demonstrated higher flushing levels than fertile women at day LH+1. Women conceiving after IVF had higher glycodelin levels than non-pregnant fertile women. Logistic regression analysis showed that the day LH+1 glycodelin levels were on the limit of being significant (p=0.05). Glycodelin in plasma had no predictive value. We found significant differences in protein concentrations in flushing fluids at day LH+1; levels being higher in flushing fluids from delayed endometria. CONCLUSIONS: Glycodelin is detectable already at day LH+1 in endometrial flushing fluid. It is independent of endometrial histological maturation and, alone or together with other parameters, may be a valuable predictor of subsequent pregnancy. Day LH+7 levels need an endometrial biopsy for correct evaluation. Spontaneous cycle plasma glycodelin has no predictive value.

Glycodelin: a novel serum anti‐inflammatory marker in type 1 diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy

Inflammation may play a role in the development of diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy. Glycodelin is a glycoprotein whose secretion from the endometrial glands increases during pregnancy. Glycodelin has immunosuppressive properties thought to play a role in the protection of the fetoplacental unit. We studied the role of glycodelin in the development and progression of retinopathy in type 1 diabetes during pregnancy. Retinopathy was graded from fundus photographs in 45 diabetes subjects and nine non-diabetes subjects prospectively during pregnancy. Serum glycodelin concentration was measured by an immunofluorometric assay. In women with diabetes with progression of retinopathy, serum glycodelin concentration was 263 ng/ml (range 116-505 ng/ml) during the first trimester, 61 ng/ml (range 30-106 ng/ml) during the second trimester, and 29 ng/ml (range 13-53 ng/ml) during the third trimester, compared with values of 595 ng/ml (range 376-870 ng/ml), 104 ng/ml (range 75-228 ng/ml) and 45 ng/ml (range 32-74 ng/ml), respectively, in diabetes subjects without progression (p = 0.005 between the groups). Low glycodelin concentration was associated with progression of diabetic retinopathy in multiple regression analysis. Serum glycodelin concentration was similar in women with and without diabetes throughout pregnancy (p = 0.63 by repeated measures ANOVA). Low glycodelin concentration is associated with progression of retinopathy in pregnant women with diabetes. A possible causal relationship between low glycodelin levels and progression of retinopathy may be mediated by the immunomodulatory properties of glycodelin.

Glycodelin: A possible new biological marker in colorectal cancer

20081 Background: Glycodelin is a 28 kDa glycoprotein expressed in normal human reproductive tract. It is over expressed in various gynecological malignancies and vascular endothelium. Since angiogenesis has been associated with and antiangiogenic therapy is effective in colorectal cancer, it is possible that glycodelin could be a mediator in the pathogenesis and be a potential target in the treatment of this disorder. To assess whether the serum glycodelin was expressed in metastatic colorectal cancer, analysis of serum samples obtained from patients participating in a clinical trial were analyzed. Methods: Serum glycodelin levels from 19 controls (5 males, 9 premenopausal females and 5 postmenopausal females) and 24 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (15 males and 9 females) enrolled into a phase II treatment protocol were measured. All patients had progressed on prior chemotherapy. Samples were obtained prior to the initiation of any further therapy. Glycodelin levels were measured by an Elisa based immuno assay using polyclonal antibodies raised against a peptide derived from the sequence of human glycodelin. Results: The median age of the patient populatin was 62.5 yrs. (range 29–78); of the males was 65 yrs. (range 57–78); of females was 58 yrs. (range 29–66). The median serum glycodelin level of whole control group was 41 nG/50μL (range 26–61); of 5 males 27 nG/50 μL (range 13–41); of 9 premenopausal females was 64 nG/50 μL (range 46–86); and of 5 postmenopausal women was 38 nG/ 50 μL (range 27–49). The median serum glycodelin level of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer was 128 nG/ 50 μL (range 51–523); of men was 128 nG/50 μL (range 51–523) and of women was 120 nG/50 μL(range 51–377). Serial glycodelin levels dropped by more than 50% in patients who had a clinical response or those who had stable disease. Conclusions: Serum glycodelin level was elevated in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer compared to controls. Whether glycodelin plays a role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer; can be a useful index to measure response and be useful as a potential target in the management of patients with colorectal cancers needs further evaluation. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Late follicular phase administration of levonorgestrel as an emergency contraceptive changes the secretory pattern of glycodelin in serum and endometrium during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle

This study examined serum glycodelin concentrations and endometrial expression during the luteal phase following oral administration of levonorgestrel (LNG) at different stages of the ovarian cycle. Thirty women were recruited and allocated into three groups. All groups were studied during two consecutive cycles, a control cycle and the treatment cycle. In the treatment cycle, each woman received two doses of 0.75 mg LNG taken 12 h apart on days 3–4 before the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge (Group 1), at the time of LH rise (Group 2) and 48 h after the rise in LH was detected (Group 3). Serum progesterone (P) and glycodelin were measured daily during the luteal phase, and an endometrial biopsy was taken at day LH +9 for immunohistochemical glycodelin-A staining. In Group 1, serum P levels were significantly lower, serum glycodelin levels rose earlier and endometrial glycodelin-A expression was weaker than in Groups 2 and 3, in which no differences were found between control and treatment cycles. Levonorgestrel taken for emergency contraception (EC) prior to the LH surge alters the luteal phase secretory pattern of glycodelin in serum and endometrium. Based on the potent gamete adhesion inhibitory activity of glycodelin-A, the results may account for the action of LNG in EC in those women who take LNG before the LH surge.

Glycodelin responses to hyperinsulinaemic clamp vary according to basal serum glycodelin concentration

Treatment with metformin, an insulin-lowering agent, increases serum glycodelin, a progesterone-regulated lipocalin protein of the reproductive axis that may play a role in foeto-maternal defence mechanisms. This finding led to the hypothesis that insulin might decrease serum glycodelin concentration. Euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp experiments (n = 50) were carried out on 28 women of reproductive age (range 25-47 years; mean +/- SEM 39 +/- 1.0 years), and the results were analysed with respect to their baseline serum progesterone (< 10 or > or = 10 nmol/l) and glycodelin (< 10 or > or = 10 microg/l, equivalent to < 357 or > or = 357 pmol/l) concentrations at the onset of the clamp. Ten clamp experiments were performed on five women wearing a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (IUD), and these were analysed as a separate group. Contrary to the hypothesis, no acute glycodelin-lowering effect of insulin was found in any of the groups studied. All the small rises in glycodelin levels detected during acute hyperinsulinaemia occurred in the comparisons of medians and not means, and all such changes took place within the limits seen in the women with no progesterone exposure. In the group with low progesterone/low glycodelin (n = 21), glycodelin showed a small but significant increase at 30 and 90 min of the clamp (P < 0.01). In the group with elevated progesterone/low glycodelin (n = 11), there was a slight glycodelin increase at 30 min (P < 0.05), whereas no increase was found in the group with elevated glycodelin levels (n = 8). In the clamp experiments on women with levonorgestrel-releasing IUD, the basal glycodelin level was low in all cases and, as in the other women with low glycodelin levels, glycodelin was slightly increased at 30, 60 and 90 min of hyperinsulinaemia (P < 0.01). The results rule out any acute glycodelin-reducing effects of insulin, although indirect long-term effects mediated by insulin on glycodelin secretion cannot be excluded.

Glycodelin gene expression in human peripheral white blood cells

Glycodelin is an endometrial secretory protein having immunosuppressive effects. It is produced by secretory endometrial glands. Glycodelin facilitates implantation by inhibiting the immune response of the endometrium to the embryo. Decreased plasma glycodelin levels are associated with abnormal endometrial development and recurrent pregnancy loss. Although the role of glycodelin has been evaluated within the endometrium, its role in the peripheral circulation has not been determined. We evaluated circulating leukocytes from normal healthy subjects for the presence of glycodelin gene expression.

Cord serum glycodelin concentrations in normal pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by diabetes.

Glycodelin is a glycoprotein released by secretory/decidualized endometrial glands. Its synthesis increases during pregnancy. Hormonal factors whose levels have been shown to change in diabetes (vascular endothelial growth factor, relaxin) may mediate the actions or regulate the synthesis of glycodelin. Cord serum glycodelin levels have not been studied in pregnancies complicated by diabetes. Cord serum glycodelin concentrations were measured at birth by an immunofluorometric assay in 62 normal pregnancies, in 67 pregnancies complicated by type 1 diabetes, and in 28 pregnancies complicated by insulin-treated gestational diabetes. The mean glycodelin concentration in cord serum was 2.7 ng/ml (standard error of the mean 0.6) in normal pregnancies. The concentration was not altered in pregnancies complicated by diabetes. Cord serum glycodelin concentrations were also unaltered in diabetic pregnancies with hypertensive disorders (chronic hypertension, pregnancy-induced hypertension or pre-eclampsia) or fetal macrosomia. There was a negative borderline correlation between cord serum glycodelin concentrations and the birth weight in pregnancies complicated by diabetes (r=-0.21, p=0.049). Decidual function, as assessed by cord serum glycodelin levels, is not markedly altered in diabetic pregnancies. The negative correlation between cord serum glycodelin and the birth weight of the newborns in diabetic pregnancies may be due to the decline in glycodelin levels with advancing pregnancy in the third trimester.