Evaluation of the Potential Clinical Utility of Maternal Serum Biomarkers for Risk Assessment in Gestational Diabetes

Background: The exact relationships of circulating fibronectin, SHBG, and ILGF-1 with T2DM and GDM remain inconsistent. Therefore, in this study we evaluate their associations in T2DM and GDM. Additionally, we evaluate their correlations with different biochemical parameters. Methods: A total of 505 pregnant women (180 with T2DM, 160 GDM patients, and 165 controls) were enrolled in the current study. SHBG, ILGF-1, and fibronectin were estimated by using the ELISA technique. Results: The GDM and T2DM groups had higher ILGF-1 and fibronectin levels than the control group, while having a lower SHGB level. The correlations of clinical characteristics with ILGF-1, SHBG, and fibronectin showed that ILGF-1 in GDM patients was positively associated with HbA1c% and insulin. T2DM was positively related to insulin and insulin resistance, as well. There was a positive association between SHBG and insulin among the T2DM groups. Furthermore, in T2DM individuals, fibronectin was positively related with HbA1c% and glucose. Conclusions: The study suggests that the circulating levels of fibronectin, SHBG, and ILGF-1 are linked to GDM and T2DM risk. Hence, the circulating concentrations of these biomarkers are potentially useful for predicting the risk of GDM as well as developing T2DM.