Plasma Urotensin II Concentration In Gestational Diabetes

Abstract

Aim: Urotensin II (UII) and its system is implicated in the etiology of many diseases (including diabetes mellitus). We tried in this study to evaluate and compare UII levels in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: Thirty-six pregnant women (15 non-GDM patients consisted group 1 and 21 GDM patients consisted group 2) enrolled in this study. The 3rd group consisted of age matched 22 non pregnant healthy women. Plasma UII levels were determined at the beginning of the study. After 12 weeks of delivery, a second plasma UII was determined from group 1 and 2. Results: Gestational UII levels of both GDM and non-GDM patients were higher than non-pregnant healthy controls (p=0.0001 for both). Both gestational and postpartum UII levels of GDM patients were higher than non-GDM patients but had not reached statistical significance (P≥0.05). Plasma UII concentrations in non-GDM patients significantly decreased after delivery but not in GDM patients (p=0.036 and p≥0.05, respectively) Conclusions: The finding of elevated gestational plasma UII concentrations in GDM patients which did not decrease significantly after delivery (in compare to non-GDM patients) shows that plasma UII levels may have a role in the pathogenesis of GDM. Further detailed studies are needed in this field.

Expression of Urotensin II of Human Placental Tissues and in Serum in Gestational Diabetic Mellitus in Iraqi Woman

“…11 But in another study, Urotensin II levels were observed to be increased in gestational DM patients in a small-sample study. 8 The increased circulating Urotensin II in the patients with pregnancy complications may be due to the placentae secretes Urotensin II. 19 It could be caused by a lack of conversion of spiral artery, which results in lower blood flow in uteroplacental, resulting in ischemiareperfusion or hypoxia.…”

“…7 Urotensin II (UII) is a pluripotent vasoactive peptide that is important in the development of insulin resistance. 8,9 In women with GDM, elevated Urotensin II levels are linked to insulin resistance. 9 Urotensin II is the most potent endogenous vasoconstrictor peptide discovered to date.…”