Endocrine Abstracts

Background and aims: The subclinical inflammation connected with hypoadiponectinaemia and inflammatory pattern may favor the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods: In total, 66 pregnant women were enrolled in the study during systematic testing for GDM between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. GDM was diagnosed in 42 cases, 24 were normal glucose tolerant control group (NGT). In blood serum concentration of glucose, insulin, adiponectin (AdipoQ), hyaluronic acid (HA), CRP were assessed during pregnancy and 12 weeks after delivery.

Results: Fasting and 2 h glucose, insulin concentration, HOMA IR, HOMA B were significantly higher, Quicki lower in women with GDM than in NGT. AdipoQ (12.5 vs 20.6 ng/ml; P<0.001) and HA (7.3 vs 24.1 μg/ml; P<0.001) concentrations were significantly lower in women with GDM than in NGT. CRP levels did not differ between groups (3.3 vs 2.7 mg/l; P=0.54). AdipoQ significantly correlated with basal insulin (r=−0.477), HOMA IR (r=−0.394), HOMA B (r=−0.428), Quicki (r=0.394), CRP (r=−0.399). HA concentrations correlated with glucose at baseline (r=0.448) and 2 h (r=0.509). Post-partum levels of AdipoQ negatively correlated with CRP (r=−0.526) and glucose at baseline (r=−0.546). HA was considerably higher (8.8 μg/ml vs 13.3 μg/ml; P=0.031), and CRP lower (3.8 vs 2.2 mg/l; P=0.012) at post-partum than in pregnancy.

Conclusions: The course of gestational diabetes is connected with low levels of AdipoQ and HA. After delivery most of women with GDM returned to NGT, which was linked with rise in HA and AdipoQ concentrations. The way of delivery itself had no effect on serum HA levels whatsoever.

Declaration of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.