The role of adipokines in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a complex condition whose physiopathology to date has not been completely clarified. Two major metabolic disorders, insulin resistance and β-cells dysfunction, play currently major role in pathogenesis of GDM. These elements are influenced by the amount of adipose tissue present before and/or during the pregnancy. Consequently, adipokines (adiponectin (APN), leptin (LPT), adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein, resistin, visfatin, omentin, vaspin, apelin, chemerin) secreted by adipose tissue, may contribute directly and/or indirectly, through the enhancement of chronic inflammation, aggravating insulin resistance and promoting GDM onset. This review aims to outline the potential physiopathological and prognostic role in GDM of adipokines, mainly APN and LPT.

Chinese abstract

妊娠期糖尿病（GDM）病因复杂, 其病理生理至今尚未完全阐明。胰岛素抵抗和β细胞功能障碍是目前造成GDM发病的两种主要代谢紊乱。这些因素受到怀孕前和/或怀孕期间脂肪组织数量的影响。因此, 脂肪组织分泌的脂肪因子、脂联素（APN）、瘦素（LPT）、脂肪细胞脂肪酸结合蛋白、抵抗素、内脂素、网膜素、内脏脂肪特异性丝氨酸蛋白酶抑制因子、配体、趋化素可通过增强慢性炎症、加重胰岛素抵抗、直接或间接促进GDM发病。本文旨在概述脂肪因子（主要为APN和LPT）在GDM中的潜在生理、病理和预后作用。

Keywords:

• Adipokine
• adiponectin
• gestational diabetes
• insulin resistance
• insulin sensitivity
• leptin

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.