Total plasma homocysteine correlates in women with gestational diabetes.

Abstract

AIM:

We aim to assess serum total homocysteine (tHcy) associations with metabolic syndrome components and B-vitamins in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS:

We studied 61 consecutive pregnant women, 44 with GDM and 17 with normal glucose tolerance (CG). Serum homocysteine levels were analyzed by ELISA, using Bio-Rad reagents. Serum folates and vitamin B(12) concentrations were determined by chemiluminescent immunoassay, free fatty acids (FFA) and lipids enzymatically.

RESULTS:

Serum homocysteine levels were similar in both the GDM and the CG groups (8+/-2.0 vs 7.4+/-1.1 micromol/l, respectively). Women with GDM in comparison to CG women were characterized by higher values of homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (2.8+/-1.7 vs 1.6+/-0.9, P<0.01), serum triglycerides (2.7+/-0.9 vs 1.9+/-0.5 mmol/l, P<0.01) and FFA (0.6+/-0.2 vs 0.46+/-0.2 mmol/l, P<0.05). In GDM women serum tHcy correlated with vitamin B(12) (r= -0.47, P<0.01) and folates (r= -0.51, P<0.001); in CG women with HOMA-IR, a marker of insulin resistance (r= -0.49, P<0.05). In multiple regression analysis with serum tHcy as a dependent variable, folate and vitamin B(12) entered the analysis in GDM women (beta= -0.42 and -0.34, respectively, P<0.05), whereas in CG cystatin C and HOMA-IR entered the analysis (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

In women with GDM, serum homocysteine is significantly associated with vitamin B(12) and folate levels, while in healthy pregnant women with HOMA-IR and with kidney function. The results suggest the importance of the B-group vitamins in regulation of serum tHcy levels in women with insulin resistance/gestational diabetes, what might be relevant in protection against pregnancy complications associated with elevated tHcy in GDM women.

• Authors: B Idzior-Waluś, K Cyganek, K Sztefko, G Seghieri, M C Breschi, M Waluś-Miarka, E Kawalec, M Seretny, J Sieradzki
• Journal: Archives of gynecology and obstetrics (Arch Gynecol Obstet) Vol. 278 Issue 4 Pg. 309-13 (Oct 2008) ISSN: 0932-0067 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 18236055 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Homocysteine
• Folic Acid
• Vitamin B 12

Topics

• Adult
• Case-Control Studies
• Diabetes, Gestational (blood)
• Female
• Folic Acid (blood)
• Homocysteine (blood)
• Humans
• Insulin Resistance
• Pregnancy
• Vitamin B 12 (blood)