A Cross-Sectional Study On The Association Of Leptin Gene Polymorphism And Metabolic Parameters In Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a pregnancy condition marked by poor glucose tolerance caused by insulin resistance. Objective was to find association between leptin gene with leptin levels, insulin resistance as well as lipid profile in patients with GDM as compared to pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 GDM patients and 100 gestational age and BMI-matched healthy pregnant women were included. Genotyping of leptin gene LEPG2548A(rs7799039) was performed by PCR-RFLP. Biochemical parameters were estimated. Insulin resistance models were calculated using homeostasis model assessment formulae. Chi-square test was used to investigate the associations, Mann Whitney U test to compare biochemical parameters, Spearman’s test for correlation studies was used s. Odd’s ratio was calculated to study the extent ofrisk of leptin gene polymorphism in causing GDM. ‘p’<0.05 was regarded as statistically significant.

Results: There was no association seen between the leptin gene polymorphism and GDM, leptin levels, or insulin resistance. In cases, IR models revealed significantly lower (p<0.0001) HOMA B cell and HOMA 1 percent B cell (insulin based) and  significant elevation (p<0.0001) of the same.  C-peptide-based insulin resistance models were also found to be considerably higher (p<0.0001) in cases compared to controls.

Conclusion: There is no evidence that LEPG2548A alleles are linked to GDM, leptin levels, or insulin resistance. Insulin resistance models based on C–peptide were found to be higher in GDM patients.