Adipokines and metabolic syndrome risk-factors in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been recognized as a significant risk factor for metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationships between levels of cytokines, components of MetS and cardiovascular risk markers in women with previous GDM.

Methods

Women (n = 41) with GDM background (cases) and 21 healthy women (controls) in the postpartum period were enrolled. Demographic and clinical data, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, uric acid and adipokine levels (TNF-α, IL-6, leptin and adiponectin) were compared and their relationships analyzed. MetS prevalence was calculated by WHO and NCEP-ATPIII definitions.

Results

There were significant differences between cases and controls: body mass index (BMI; kg/m²) 27.4 ± 5.6 vs. 23.9 ± 3.6 (p = 0.013); waist circumference (WC; cm) 85.2 ± 12.9 vs. 77.5 ± 9.0 (p = 0.017); MetS (WHO definition) 14.6% vs. 0% (p = 0.012); MetS (NCEP-ATPIII definition) 22% vs. 0% (p = 0.002), low-HDL 36.6% vs. 9.5% (p = 0.024); fasting glucose (mmol/L) 5.4 ± 0.6 vs. 4.9 ± 0.2 (p < 0.001), glucose 120' OGTT (mmol/L) 5.8 ± 1.7vs. 4.7 ± 0.8 (p = 0.007); fasting insulin (μU/ml) 13.4 ± 8.1 vs. 8.4 ± 4.3 (p = 0.004); HOMA index 3.3 ± 2.3 vs. 1.8 ± 1.0 (p = 0.002); HbA1c (%) 5.4 ± 0.2 vs. 5.2 ± 0.2 (p = 0.021); uric acid (mg/dL) 4.1 ± 1 vs. 3.5 ± 0.6 (p = 0.009); leptin (ng/ml) 32025.5 ± 19917.3 vs. 20258.9 ± 16359.9 (p = 0.023), respectively.

Conclusions

Women with previous GDM have central adiposity, atherogenic lipid profile, carbohydrate intolerance and adverse adipokine profile; all being of which are risk factors for the future development of metabolic and cardiovascular disease. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.