Hormone replacement therapy and cancer

The contribution of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) system and leptin was studied in insulin resistance and neonatal development during the course of normal pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Thirty patients with GDM and their neonates (n = 30), 35 healthy pregnant women (15 in the first, nine in the second and 11 in the third trimester) and their neonates (n = 20), and 25 healthy matched non-pregnant women participated in the study. Significantly elevated levels of maternal TNF-α, sTNF receptor (R)-1 and R-2, leptin (detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and fasting C-peptide (measured by radioimmunossay and raised body mass index (BMI) were found in GDM patients and in the third trimester of normal pregnancies. TNF-α, sTNFR-2, C-peptide, leptin concentrations and BMI positively correlated with each other in GDM. An inverse relationship between the body length, head circumference and body weight of the newborns, and maternal TNF-α, leptin and C-peptide concentrations was shown in GDM. In healthy pregnancies the maternal serum leptin level was in a negative linear correlation with the head circumference of the newborns. In conclusion, increased TNF-α and leptin levels may contribute to insulin resistance in GDM and in the third trimester of normal pregnancy and may negatively influence the anthropometric parameters of the newborns.     

Influence of leptin and the TNF system on insulin resistance in pregnancy and their effect on anthropometric parameters of newborns

BACKGROUND: We studied the contribution of the tumor necrosis factor system and leptin to insulin resistance during the course of normal pregnancy. METHODS: Forty-five healthy pregnant women (15 in the 1st, 15 in the 2nd2 and 15 in the 3rd3 trimester) and 25 age-matched healthy nonpregnant women as controls. Twenty-three newborns delivered by women followed in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters were also investigated. Fasting serum immunoreactive tumor necrosis factor-alpha, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-1, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-2, leptin (by enzyme-linked immunoassay) and C-peptide (by radioimmunoassay) concentrations in the patients and controls were measured. Body weight, length and head circumference of the newborns were analyzed in connection with the measured maternal parameters. RESULTS: Significantly elevated tumor necrosis factor-alpha, tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 and -2, leptin, and C-peptide levels were found in the 3rd3 trimester as compared with the 1st1 and 2nd2 trimesters and with the nonpregnant controls. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, tumor necrosis factor receptor-2, C-peptide, leptin concentrations and body mass index were found to be in a significant positive linear correlation with each other. Significant negative linear correlations were calculated among maternal serum C-peptide, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and leptin concentrations and the head circumference of the newborns. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha and leptin levels may contribute to insulin resistance in late pregnancy. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and leptin may be regulators of intrauterine bone development of newborns.     

妊娠妇女及新生儿脐血瘦素水平与体重,胰岛素,C—肽,胰岛 …

目的　探讨妊娠晚期妇女及新生儿脐血瘦素水平与孕妇体重及新生儿体重的关系 ,以及新生儿脐血瘦素水平与C 肽、胰岛素、胰岛素样生长因子 Ⅱ (IGF Ⅱ )等的关系。方法　采用放射免疫法测定 5 0例孕 37～ 38周正常妊娠妇女 (研究组 )及其新生儿、2 9例健康未妊娠妇女 (对照组 )的血瘦素水平 ,并同时测定新生儿脐血C 肽、胰岛素、IGF Ⅱ的水平等。结果　 (1)妊娠晚期妇女血瘦素水平为 (13.6 2± 3.6 8) μg/L ,明显高于对照组妇女的 (6 .6 0± 3.0 4) μg/L及新生儿脐血瘦素的 (8.0 5± 4.6 1) μg/L。 (2 )妊娠晚期妇女血瘦素水平与本身体重及体重指数明显相关 (r分别为 0 .33、0 .35 ,P<0 .0 5 ) ;妊娠晚期妇女血瘦素水平与新生儿体重无明显相关 (r=0 .10 ,P >0 .0 5 )。 (3)新生儿脐血瘦素水平与其体重、体重指数明显相关 (r分别为 0 .5 4、0 .49,P <0 .0 0 1) ;而与妊娠晚期妇女血瘦素水平无明显相关 (r=0 .19,P >0 .0 5 )。 (4 )对照组妇女血瘦素水平与其体重、体重指数明显正相关 (r分别为 0 .72、0 .78,P <0 .0 0 1)。 (5 )新生儿脐血C 肽为 (0 .86± 0 .35 ) μg/L ,胰岛素为 (8.49± 4.76 )mU/L ,IGF Ⅱ为 (0 .2 18± 0 .0 76 ) μg/L ;新生儿脐血瘦素水平与C 肽明显相关 (r=0 .37,P <0 .0 5 )     

正常妊娠妇女及新生儿脐血瘦素水平测定及其临床意义

目的 探讨正常妊娠妇女及新生儿脐血瘦素水平及其临床意义。方法 采用放射免疫法测定对照组的１０例正常未妊娠妇女、观察组的６３例妊娠妇女（其中早孕３１例，中孕１０例，晚孕２２例）、２７例分娩妇女、１８例产后妇女的血甭瘦素水平，及１８例新生儿脐血的瘦素水平。同时测定两组妇女的身高、体重、空腹胰岛素及血脂水平，并分析其与瘦素之间的关系。结果 ⑴妊娠妇女从孕中其开始，空腹胰岛素、胆固醇、甘油三酯明显升高，临     

Leptin and gestational weight gain: relation of maternal and cord blood leptin to birth weight

OBJECTIVES: To determine maternal serum leptin concentrations throughout normal pregnancy, as well as cord blood leptin concentration, and to correlate serum and cord blood leptin levels with gestational weight gain and birth weight, respectively. METHODS: This study comprised 52 normal pregnant women, including 11 in the first, 19 in the second, and 22 in the third trimester, in addition to 30 healthy, fertile nonpregnant women of comparable age and with normal body mass index (BMI). Maternal blood and fetal cord blood samples were withdrawn from the normal, healthy pregnant women and the nonpregnant controls for the determination of serum leptin by a specific radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Maternal serum leptin concentrations in the first trimester did not differ significantly from those of healthy nonpregnant control subjects, whereas leptin concentrations in the second and third trimesters were elevated significantly. There were significant positive correlations between maternal serum leptin concentration and gestational age, gestational weight, and BMI. Cord blood leptin concentration correlated positively with birth weight and third trimester maternal serum leptin. CONCLUSION: Elevated serum leptin is associated with maternal adiposity and risk of developing large for gestational age infants.     

妊娠期糖尿病孕妇血清肿瘤坏死因子α水平变化与胰岛素抵抗关系的研究

目的　探讨妊娠期糖尿病孕妇血清肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF α)水平变化与胰岛素抵抗的关系。方法　采用酶联免疫吸附试验测定 4 2例妊娠期糖尿病孕妇 (GDM组 )、4 0例正常妊娠晚期孕妇 (正常妊娠组 )空腹血清TNF α水平 ;同时测定两组孕妇空腹血糖、C肽、胰岛素、糖化血红蛋白(HbA1c)水平。并且根据公式计算两组孕妇的胰岛素敏感指数 (ISI) ,以评价胰岛素抵抗程度。结果(1)GDM组孕妇空腹血清TNF α水平为 (5 2± 1 6 )ng/L ,正常妊娠组孕妇为 (4 5± 0 5 )ng/L ,两组比较 ,差异有极显著性 (P <0 0 1) ;GDM组孕妇ISI为 - 4 3± 0 4 ,正常妊娠组为 - 3 8± 0 3,两组比较 ,差异有极显著性 (P <0 0 1)。 (2 )GDM组孕妇空腹血糖、胰岛素、C肽水平分别为 (5 5± 0 7)mmol/L、(13 4± 3 8)mU/L、(1 6± 0 4 )nmol/L ,正常妊娠组孕妇空腹血糖、胰岛素、C肽水平分别为(4 9± 0 4 )mmol/L、(9 3± 2 5 )mU/L、(1 2± 0 3)nmol,两组比较 ,差异有极显著性 (P <0 0 1) ;GDM组孕妇HbA1c为 (5 6± 0 5 ) % ,正常妊娠组孕妇为 (5 3± 0 5 ) % ,两组比较 ,差异有显著性(P <0 0 5 )。 (3)GDM组孕妇空腹血清TNF α水平与ISI呈显著负相关 (r=- 0 70 3,P <0 0 1) ,分别与空腹血糖、C肽、HbA1c呈显著正相关 (r     

Determination of reference ranges and effect of maternal and fetal factors on insulin and C-peptide level in umbilical cord blood

OBJECTIVE: The risks of pregnancy caused by maternal diabetes are well known. Patients with unrecognized gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represent a special problem. The aim of our study was to find out, whether the determination of insulin and C-peptide in cord blood serum offers a valuable tool for retrospective analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 600 paired serum samples from maternal venous blood and neonatal cord blood insulin and C-peptide were determined radioimmunologically. A reference group consisting of 338 mothers and their newborns was established by exclusion of all patients with known pregnancy complications. RESULTS: Positive correlations could be identified between fetal insulin and fetal C-peptide, as well as correlations of these parameters with birth weight and body length, with maternal values of insulin, C-peptide, body-mass index, weight, and weight gain during pregnancy respectively. Increased levels of cord serum insulin were found in complicated pregnancies as well as in patients with previous pregnancy losses, preterm deliveries or stillbirths. CONCLUSIONS: Cord serum insulin and C-peptide were found to be useful parameters for immediate postnatal identification of impaired glucose tolerance during the course of pregnancy.     

Free and bound leptin levels during human pregnancy.

Leptin is a hormone secreted from adipocytes and trophoblasts which might influence energy metabolism during gestation. In this study we evaluated the course of free and bound leptin levels in 22 healthy pregnant women and compared these values to those in non-pregnant women matched for body mass index (BMI) and age. Serum concentrations of both leptin components and plasma levels of estradiol, progesterone, insulin, non-esterified fatty acids and glucose were measured at each trimester. The BMI increased from the first to the second trimester (22.8 +/- 3.1 and 24.7 +/- 2.9, respectively; p < 0.05) and remained stable thereafter (third trimester 25.3 +/- 2.9 kg/m2). Free leptin and bound leptin did not differ between patients and controls in the first trimester of pregnancy. Free leptin levels increased from the first (122 (60)) to the second trimester (181 (60) pmol/l; p < 0.05) and remained constant (third trimester 181 (76) pmol/l; difference between second and third trimesters, NS). Bound leptin increased from the second (0.43 (0.16)) to the third trimester (0.57 (0.21) nmol/l; p < 0.05). Only bound leptin was higher in the patient group in the third trimester compared to controls (p < 0.01). Our findings of a shift in free leptin to bound leptin in late pregnancy may indicate different physiological roles for both components. Free leptin may reflect maternal fat stores, whereas bound leptin may regulate maternal metabolism via central effects on food intake and energy expenditure.     

Effect of second trimester and third trimester weight gain on immediate outcomes in neonates born to mothers with gestational diabetes: a retrospective observational study from India

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effect of second trimester and third trimester rate of weight gain on immediate outcomes in neonates born to mothers with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM).

Method and material: This retrospective observational study enrolled 593 eligible mothers. The records of all pregnant women booked before 24?weeks and screened for diabetes were eligible if they were diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) anytime during pregnancy. All the necessary maternal and neonatal details were collected from hospital database. The rate of weight gain was calculated at 18–24?weeks, 28–30?weeks, and that before delivery. The enrolled women were categorized into: poor weight gain, normal weight gain, and increased weight.

Results and discussion: The mean birth weight, length, and head circumference of neonates were significantly lower in women who had poor rate of weight gain in comparison with normal weight gain group. The mean prepregnancy BMI was significantly high in women with increased rate of weight gain when compared to normal weight gain women in second and third trimester. Regression analysis done to evaluate the independent effect of weight gain on C section and neonatal complications, showed that the independent predictors for cesarean section were previous cesarean section or 12.5 (95% CI 6.7–23) and conception by assisted reproductive technologies or 1.75 (95% CI 1.01–4.3), and the neonatal complications were influenced by birth weight or 1.5 (95% CI 1.1–2.2) and weight gain during second trimester or 1.26 (95% CI 1–1.6).

Conclusion: In women with GDM, reduced weight gain during pregnancy is associated with small for gestational age neonates. Caesarean section is predicted by previous C-section, and mode of conception whereas neonatal complications were predicted by birth weight and maternal weight gain during second trimester.     

Maternal hemoglobin concentration is closely related to birth weight in normal pregnancies

Maternal Hb levels during the third trimester were studied in relation to certain maternal and fetal parameters in 877 apparently normal pregnancies. Low Hb levels at term were closely associated with increased frequency of newborns in the heavy weight-for-date group. Conversely, high maternal Hb levels were closely associated with an increased frequency of newborns in the light weight-for-date group. The maternal Hb levels both in the early third trimester and at term were significantly higher in mothers of small-for-date newborns than in those with newborns of normal weight. In both groups the maternal Hb levels increased significantly during the third trimester of pregnancy. High maternal Hb levels both early and late in the third trimester of pregnancy should be a matter of concern rather than of reassurance.     

Maternal serum leptin concentration during the second trimester of pregnancy: association with fetal chromosomal abnormalities

Recent studies suggest that leptin, the product of the obese gene, is produced by the placenta during pregnancy. The present study addressed the question whether second trimester maternal serum leptin could be altered by fetal Down syndrome or Edwards syndrome. Maternal serum leptin concentrations were measured in 18 pregnancies complicated with Down syndrome, six pregnancies complicated with Edwards syndrome and 183 uncomplicated pregnancies during the second trimester of pregnancy. The present results demonstrate that leptin concentrations in uncomplicated pregnancies slightly decrease from the 16th week of pregnancy, reaching a minimum of 18.8 ng/ml around the 20th week, and then rapidly increase to 28.2 ng/ml by the 24th week. Leptin correlation with maternal body weight decreases from r=0.695 at 16-17 week of gestation to r=0.544 at >22 weeks of gestation. There was no significant difference between the mean MoMs of Down syndrome- (0.926) or Edwards syndrome- (0.960) affected pregnancies and normal pregnancies (1.002). A weak correlation (r=0.18, p<0.02) was observed between corrected leptin MoMs and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) MoMs in normal pregnancies. It is assumed that around the 20th week of pregnancy placental leptin production is activated or at least is accelerated and it is added to the amount of leptin produced by maternal adipose tissue. Fetal Down syndrome or Edwards syndrome does not seem to alter maternal leptin concentration and therefore leptin cannot be used as a marker for these chromosomal abnormalities in the early second trimester of pregnancy.     

Serum levels of nesfatin-1 are increased in gestational diabetes mellitus

Objective: To analyze the concentrations of nesfatin-1 in maternal and cord serum, to evaluate the expression of nesfatin-1 in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) from pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and those with normal glucose tolerance (NGT).

Methods: We studied a total of 50 GDM and 50 NGT subjects. The clinical features, serum nesfatin-1, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profiles were measured at the third trimester of pregnancy. The expression of nesfatin-1 in the SAT was determined by western blot.

Results: Compared with the NGT group, the GDM group showed greater levels of serum nesfatin-1, adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (AFABP), and leptin; a greater level of cord blood nesfatin-1; and a higher level of expression in SAT (p?p?b?=?0.317, p=?0.022) and body mass index (BMI) before delivery (b?=?0.367, p=0.008) were independently associated with serum nesfatin-1. Nesfatin-1 was the independent risk factor for GDM.

Conclusions: The GDM group had higher levels of maternal serum and cord blood nesfatin-1, and greater nesfatin-1 expression in SAT. Nesfatin-1 is closely related to obesity and IR in pregnancy.     

妊娠中、晚期血清瘦素、β-hCG及ADAM12水平的变化及其与子痫前期发生的关系

目的：探讨妊娠中、晚期妇女血清瘦素、人绒毛膜促性腺激素β亚单位（β-hCG）及解整合素-金属蛋白酶12（ADAM12）的水平变化及这些指标对子痫前期（PE）发生的预测价值。方法：选择2007年6月—2008年5月在福建省妇幼保健院定期产检和住院分娩的189例妊娠妇女,分别测定妊娠中期（20～24周）和妊娠晚期（30～34周）血清瘦素、β-hCG、ADAM12的浓度,其中25例发展为PE者为病例组,164例正常妊娠者为正常组。根据受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线确定预测界限值。结果：①妊娠中期病例组血清β-hCG、ADAM12浓度显著高于正常组（P＜0.001）。②妊娠晚期病例组血清瘦素、β-hCG、ADAM12浓度明显高于正常组（P＜0.001）。③病例组妊娠晚期血清瘦素、β-hCG及ADAM12水平均较妊娠中期升高（P＜0.05）,正常组妊娠晚期血清瘦素水平较妊娠中期升高（P＜0.001）, 而血清β-hCG与ADAM12水平2组间差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。④妊娠中期以血清β-hCG≥32 μg/L、血清ADAM12≥818 μg/L为预测界值,两者联合阳性预测值为82.61%,高于单项阳性预测值（P＜0.05）。两者联合ROC曲线下面积与单项ROC曲线下面积比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。⑤妊娠晚期以血清瘦素≥23 μg/L、血清β-hCG≥37 μg/L及血清ADAM12≥900 μg/L为预测界值,三者联合阳性预测值达92.31%,高于单项阳性预测值（P＜0.05）。三者联合ROC曲线下面积大于单项β-hCG及瘦素ROC曲线下面积（P＜0.05）,但与单项ADAM12曲线下面积差异无统计学意义（P＜0.05）。⑥联合妊娠中、晚期血清β-hCG预测PE发生的阳性率为81.25%;联合妊娠中、晚期血清ADAM12预测PE发生的阳性率为90.48%,均比单一指标的阳性预测值高。结论：检测妊娠中、晚期妇女血清β-hCG及ADAM12水平可作为PE发生的有效预测指标;联合多项指标并动态监测可进一步提高对PE发生的阳性预测值及准确率。     

Weight-related and analytical maternal factors in gestational diabetes to predict birth weight and cord markers of diabetic fetopathy

Objective: The objective was to determine the value of clinical and analytical maternal factors to predict birth weight and umbilical cord biochemical markers of diabetic fetopathy.

Methods: Prospective evaluation of gestational diabetes pregnancies (n?=?50). Maternal weight-related clinical and analytical factors were collected during pregnancy. After birth, an umbilical cord sample was taken.

Results: Univariate linear regression analysis showed relationship between maternal weight, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) with birth weight percentile. A significant association was found between maternal weight and cord insulin and C-peptide. Maternal HbA1c, leptin and insulin during pregnancy showed a positive linear association to cord leptin, insulin and C-peptide. In multivariate analysis models, final maternal BMI showed an independent positive association with cord C-peptide.

Conclusions: Maternal weight-related and analytical parameters show diagnostic value to birth weight and cord markers.     

妊娠中、晚期血清瘦素、β-hCG及ADAM12水平的变化及其与子痫前期发生的关系

目的：探讨妊娠中、晚期妇女血清瘦素、人绒毛膜促性腺激素β亚单位（β-hCG）及解整合素-金属蛋白酶12（ADAM12）的水平变化及这些指标对子痫前期（PE）发生的预测价值.方法：选择2007年6月-2008年5月在福建省妇幼保健院定期产检和住院分娩的189例妊娠妇女,分别测定妊娠中期（20～24周）和妊娠晚期（30～34周）血清瘦素、β-hCG、ADAM12的浓度,其中25例发展为PE者为病例组,164例正常妊娠者为正常组.根据受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线确定预测界限值.结果：①妊娠中期病例组血清β-hCG、ADAM12浓度显著高于正常组（P＜0.001）.②妊娠晚期病例组血清瘦素、β-hCG、ADAM12浓度明显高于正常组（P＜0.001）.③病例组妊娠晚期血清瘦素、β-hCG及ADAM12水平均较妊娠中期升高（P＜0.05）,正常组妊娠晚期血清瘦素水平较妊娠中期升高（P＜0.001）,而血清β-hCG与ADAM12水平2组间差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.④妊娠中期以血清β-hCG≥32 μg/L、血清ADAM12≥818 μg/L为预测界值,两者联合阳性预测值为82.61%,高于单项阳性预测值（P＜0.05）.两者联合ROC曲线下面积与单项ROC曲线下面积比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.⑤妊娠晚期以血清瘦素≥23 μg/L、血清β-hCG≥37 μg/L及血清ADAM12≥900 μg/L为预测界值,三者联合阳性预测值达92.31%,高于单项阳性预测值（P＜0.05）.三者联合ROC曲线下面积大于单项β-hCG及瘦素ROC曲线下面积（P＜0.05）,但与单项ADAM12曲线下面积差异无统计学意义（P＜0.05）.⑥联合妊娠中、晚期血清β-hCG预测PE发生的阳性率为81.25%;联合妊娠中、晚期血清ADAM12预测PE发生的阳性率为90.48%,均比单一指标的阳性预测值高.结论：检测妊娠中、晚期妇女血清β-hCG及ADAM12水平可作为PE发生的有效预测指标;联合多项指标并动态监测可进一步提高对PE发生的阳性预测值及准确率.     

Quantitative analysis of fetal DNA in maternal plasma in gestational diabetes mellitus,iron deficiency anemia and gestational hypertension pregnancies

Abstract

Objective: To quantify circulating fetal DNA (fDNA) levels in the second and third trimesters of normal healthy pregnant individuals and pregnant women with the following clinical conditions: gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), iron deficiency anemia and gestational hypertension (GHT).

Methods: The SRY gene located on the Y chromosome was used as a unique fetal marker. The fDNA was extracted from maternal plasma and the SRY gene concentrations were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using TaqMan dual labeled probe system.

Results: No significant differences were observed in the mean fDNA concentration between normal and GDM pregnancy samples (p?>?0.05) and also between normal and anemic pregnancy samples (p?>?0.05) in both trimesters, but significant differences were observed between the third trimester normal and GHT pregnancy samples (p?=?0.001). GDM and iron deficiency anemia do not affect the levels of fDNA in maternal plasma while GHT significantly elevates the levels of fDNA in maternal plasma.

Conclusions: Increased amount of circulating fDNA in maternal plasma could be used for early identification of adverse pregnancies. GDM and anemia do not affect the levels of fDNA in maternal plasma while GHT significantly elevates the levels of fDNA in maternal plasma. Hence, the elevated fDNA values could be used as a potential screening marker in pregnancies complicated with GHT but not with GDM and iron deficiency anemia.     

Acupuncture or phy(F)itoestrogens vs. (E)strogen plus progestin on menopausal symptoms. A randomized study

Abstract

Obesity in pregnant women has been associated with an increased risk of maternal complications, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a process that is related to oxidative stress (OS). To evaluate the biomarkers of OS in red blood cells (RBCs), we assigned 80 pregnant women to one of three groups: control (n?=?28), overweight (n?=?26) and obese (n?=?26). Then, we measured in plasma, the levels of glucose, triacylglycerol (TAG), insulin, free fatty acids (FFAs), leptin and cytokines (e.g. interleukin-6 [IL-6] and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha]) and OS biomarkers, such as lipohydroperoxides (LHP), malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonylation (PC) in RBCs. We found significant positive correlations between OS biomarkers, body mass index (BMI) and pregnancy progression. Seven (26.9%) obese women who were diagnosed with GDM at 24–28?weeks of pregnancy showed significantly increased concentrations of FFAs, insulin, leptin, TNF-alpha and biomarkers of OS measured at 12–13 weeks of gestation. We propose to quantify LHP, MDA and PC in membranes of erythrocytes as possible markers to diagnose GDM from weeks 12–14.     

A longitudinal study of serum adiponectin during normal pregnancy

Adiponectin is secreted from adipose tissue. Serum adiponectin levels are inversely correlated with body mass index (BMI) and also insulin resistance, independent of the BMI. A role for adiponectin in the development of insulin resistance has been implied in pregnancy. However, no studies have been performed to describe the individual longitudinal course of adiponectin in normal pregnancies. Therefore, we measured serum adiponectin during and after normal pregnancy in 11 healthy women. Serum levels peaked in midpregnancy and the lowest levels were seen in late pregnancy. An inverse association with maternal BMI was observed.     

Insulin secretion at the diagnosis of gestational diabetes is lower in multiparas than in primiparas

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has heterogeneous ethiopathogenesis, pathophysiology and clinical features. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate some of anthropometric parameters, clinical features and indices of insulin resistance and beta cell function in GDM women in first pregnancy and in GDM women in third and following pregnancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 877 GDM women, aged 18-48 years were studied. Both groups were compared according to age, BMI before pregnancy, week of GDM diagnosis, weight gain during pregnancy, fasting blood glucose, fasting serum insulin level, HbA1c, insulin resistance and beta-cell function indices. All parameters except BMI were evaluated at GDM diagnosis. RESULTS: Multiparas were older, with higher BMI and lower beta-cell function indices. CONCLUSION: At the moment of GDM diagnosis, insulin secretion evaluated by HOMA indices are lower in multiparas in comparison to primaparas.