Circulating Levels of C1q/TNF-Related Protein 3 (CTRP3) and CTRP9 in Gestational Diabetes and Their Association with Insulin Resistance and Inflammatory Cytokines.

Objective: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is closely related to obesity, adipose tissue, and adipokines. Adiponectin-homologous adipokines with anti-inflammatory properties, including C1q/TNF-related protein 3 (CTRP3) and CTRP9, regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, which was measured in pregnant women with GDM with the aim to assess their circulating levels and their relation with inflammatory cytokines and other biochemical data.

Methods: Serum levels of CTRP3, CTRP9, adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6 were measured in 43 subjects with GDM and 42 healthy controls by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Serum levels of adiponectin and CTRP3 were lower in GDM subjects than in controls, whereas CTRP9, TNF-α, and IL-6 showed higher concentrations in subjects with GDM than in controls. In the subjects with GDM, there was a significant association of CTRP3 with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), body mass index, and triglycerides, whereas CTRP9 is associated with TNF-α and HOMA-IR.

Conclusion: The differences in the assessed levels of CTRP3 and CTRP9 suggest a possible relation with the pathogenesis of GDM, in particular insulin resistance, which showed significant association with both adipokines.