Changes of Lipin1 beta Expression in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Lipin1 beta is an adipokine proposed to be associated with insulin resistance (IR). Pregnancy is a physiologic state of progressive IR. The objective of the present study was to investigate the role of lipin1 beta in the development of GDM. Methods: A total of 40 pregnant women (22 normal and 18 with GDM) who delivered healthy infants at full-term (> 37 weeks gestation) were included. The mRNA and protein levels of lipin1 beta in adipose tissues were determined by real-time RT-PCR and Western-blot. Plasma glucose, lipids, insulin, and estradiol (E2) levels were measured routinely at fasting state, and HOMA-IR was calculated accordingly. Results: The lipin1 beta expression in both mRNA and protein levels in SAT and VAT was lower in GUM patients than controls. Lipin1 beta mRNA in VAT was negatively correlated with BMI (r = -0.505, p < 0.05), FINS (r = -0.539, p < 0.05), HOMA-IR (r = -0.574, p < 0.01), TG (r = -0.471, p < 0.05), and E2 (r = -0.564, p < 0.01). Lipin1 beta mRNA expression in SAT was similar with VAT. Lipin1 beta mRNA was not correlated with body weight gain or blood pressure. These results indicated that the lipin1 beta expression in adipose tissues is down-regulated in patients with GDM. Conclusions: Lipin1 beta might play a role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance in GDM.