Maternal obesity and gestational diabetes decrease Metrnl concentrations in cord plasma

Abstract

Objective

To determine the effect of preexisting maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on the circulating levels of Metrnl in cord and maternal plasma.

Design

Metrnl levels were measured on maternal and cord plasma from women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (19 non-obese and 20 obese), GDM controlled by diet (18 non-obese and 17 obese) and GDM controlled by insulin (19 non-obese and 18 obese) at the time of term elective cesarean section. Metrnl concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Correlations of Metrnl levels with anthropometric parameters and laboratory measurements were also assessed.

Results

There was no effect of maternal obesity or GDM on maternal plasma Metrnl concentrations. In cord plasma, Metrnl concentrations were significantly lower in NGT obese compared to NGT non-obese women and in non-obese GDM women compared to non-obese NGT women. Significant positive correlations were observed between maternal plasma Metrnl and cord plasma Metrnl. In cord plasma, significant positive correlations were observed between Metrnl levels and GWG and maternal and cord plasma glucose levels at delivery.

Conclusions

At the time of term cesarean section, preexisting maternal obesity and GDM are associated with lower Metrnl levels in cord plasma. Alterations in cord plasma Metrnl levels may lead to alterations in fetal growth trajectory and be a determinant for metabolic disorders later in life.

Keywords:

• Cord plasma
• GDM
• maternal obesity
• metrnl
• pregnancy

Acknowledgments

The following are gratefully acknowledged: Dr Ratana Lim (University of Melbourne) for her excellent technical assistance; the clinical research midwives, Genevieve Christophers, Gabrielle Pell, and Rachel Murdoch are for sample collection; the Obstetrics and Midwifery staff of the Mercy Hospital for Women for their co-operation; and the women who generously donated their samples to the study. Associate Professor Martha Lappas is supported by a Research Fellowship from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (University of Melbourne) and a Faculty Fellowship from the University of Melbourne.

Disclosure statement

There is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported. No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability

The author confirms that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for this study was provided by Norman Beischer Medical Research Foundation, the University of Melbourne and the Mercy Research Foundation.

Funding for this study was provided by Norman Beischer Medical Research Foundation, the University of Melbourne and the Mercy Research Foundation.