Introduction:

Gestational diabetes, which is a subtype of hyperglycemia; can cause fetal mortality and also may cause diabetes mellitus after pregnancy. Even though there are studies indicating that inflammation may cause the development of diabetes during gestation, roles of osteoprotegerin and resistin remain unknown. In this study, we aimed to evaluate in a broad perspective the pro-inflammatory cytokines which may be linked to gestational diabetes in relation to biochemical parameters.

Method:

This study was performed with 49 patients who had gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosis and 28 healthy pregnant women. Serum levels of leptin, resistin, CD40L, TNF-R (Tumor Necrotizing Factor Receptor), OPG (Osteoprotegerin), MCP-1 (Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein), MPO (Myeloperoxidase), ICAM-1 (Intercellular Adhesion Molecule) were analysed and compared to blood glucose levels, HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglycerid, LDL and HDL cholesterol levels.

Results:

Serum OPG (p=0.043) and sTNF-R (p=0.001) levels were found significantly higher in GDM patients compared to healthy controls, whereas resistin levels were found lower. Even though a statistically meaningful difference was not observed, inflammatory markers MPO, ICAM-1, CD40L, and leptin were also found higher compared to control group. A positive correlation between MPO and triglyceride and negative correlation between MPO and HDL was observed (p=0.017; p<0.05).

Discussion:

The role of pro-inflammatory markers in diabetes is not clear. High levels of inflammatory markers in GDM patients may be helpful for clarifying the GDM pathogenesis. Multicenter studies with larger patient populations could enlighten the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in GDM.

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