Serum levels of the adipokine Pref-1 in gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE

Pref-1 has recently been introduced as a novel insulin resistance-inducing adipokine influencing adipogenesis. The role of circulating Pref-1 in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has not been assessed so far.

METHODS

We determined circulating Pref-1 serum levels in 74 patients with GDM, as well as 74 healthy age-, body mass index (BMI-), and gestational age-matched pregnant controls. Furthermore, Pref-1 was correlated with anthropometric measures, as well as biochemical markers, of glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, renal function, and inflammation.

RESULTS

Mean serum Pref-1 levels during pregnancy were not significantly different between patients with GDM (0.40μg/l) and healthy controls (0.42μg/l) (p=0.655). Multivariate analysis revealed that gestational age at blood sampling, triglycerides (TG), and creatinine independently and positively predicted Pref-1 levels (p<0.05). Furthermore, Pref-1 levels were independently and negatively associated with BMI and C reactive protein (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Pref-1 is probably not a major contributor to GDM pathophysiology but might directly contribute to TG metabolism, as well as depend on gestational age and renal function.