Evaluation of serum boron levels and lipid profile in pregnancies with or without gestational diabetes

Aims: Animal research has demonstrated that boron has effects on triglycerides and glucose and may act as a metabolic regulator in several enzymatic systems. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent obstetrical complication and the lack of data on maternal status of boron in normal/diabetic pregnancies, prompted us to undertake this study. Methods: Maternal blood samples were collected during screening and diagnosis of GDM at 24-28 weeks. Serum lipids (total cholesterol, high-density cholesterol, low density cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein-a, apolipoprotein-A-1 and apolipoprotein-B) and boron levels were determined. Fifteen non-GDM and 19 GDM women constituted the study population. Results: The mean age was 30.1 +/- 5 years. The median boron levels were 15.2 mu g/L (0.0152 ppm; range, 8.4-25.4 mu g/L). When GDM and non-GDM cases were compared for age, gravidity, parity, lipid profiles and serum boron levels, no significant differences were found (P>0.05). No correlation was found between lipids and boron levels. Conclusion: This preliminary study contributes to the limited information about the metabolic aspects of boron. Considering the evidence that boron acts as a regulator of energy substrate utilization, the effect of dietary boron on glucose metabolism deserves further research.