Elevated levels of chemerin, leptin, and interleukin-18 in gestational diabetes mellitus

Objective: We aimed to assess the levels of adipokine and their relation to gestational diabetic related clinical phenotypes and fetal growth parameters. Material and methods: International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study criteria was used to classify gestational diabetic cases (n = 208) and euglycemic controls (n = 300). ELISA assays were performed for insulin, chemerin, leptin, and interleukin-18 (IL-18). Mann–Whitney U test, Chi-square/Fisher exact test, multiple regression analyses, and ROC curves were applied with significant p values of <0.05. Results: Levels of chemerin, IL-18, and leptin were seven-, four-, and five-folds higher in cases versus controls, respectively (p < 0.01). The adipokine showed strong positive correlation with fasting blood glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and fetal weight (p < 0.01). Odds of GDM association remained significant for chemerin (OR 1.522; 1.097–2.110) and leptin (OR 2.579; 1.503–4.425) while all associations were lost for IL-18 (p > 0.05) after multiple adjustments. Raised chemerin levels were identified in 96% cases (n = 201) employing the proposed cut off value >15.49 ng/ml. Conclusion: High chemerin and leptin levels are seen in GDM which may be associated with subclinical inflammation suggesting a role in development of insulin resistance.