Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 Lys469Glu Polymorphism, Systemic Redox Homeostasis and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Pregnant Women.

Objectives: Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) plays an important role in endothelial function. Hyperglycemia-induced impaired redox status is 1 of the well-known pathophysiologic characteristics of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and it plays a crucial role in the causes of disease. Our aim was to clarify any possible relationship between the ICAM-1 Lys469Glu polymorphism and systemic redox status in women with and without GDM. Also, we investigated whether this polymorphism could be associated with a change for better or worse as evidenced by clinical and redox biomarkers.

Methods: The ICAM-1 polymorphism statuses of 89 pregnant women without GDM and 53 pregnant women with GDM were found. Stratifying patients based on GDM and polymorphism status, we investigated various redox homeostasis markers. The independent t test was used.

Results: Significantly higher systemic oxidative damage and diminished antioxidant defense were found in pregnant women with GDM. Also, results showed that whether pregnant women were carrying the Lys469Glu polymorphism or not did not seem to be associated with significant differences, as evidenced by comparable systemic oxidative damage.

Conclusions: Although no significant difference was observed between genotypes, the oxidative damage observed in patients with GDM warrants earlier screening and management in the light of new evidence.