Maternal obesity and gestational diabetes decrease Metrnl concentrations in cord plasma.

Objective: To determine the effect of preexisting maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on the circulating levels of Metrnl in cord and maternal plasma.
Design: Metrnl levels were measured on maternal and cord plasma from women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (19 non-obese and 20 obese), GDM controlled by diet (18 non-obese and 17 obese) and GDM controlled by insulin (19 non-obese and 18 obese) at the time of term elective cesarean section. Metrnl concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Correlations of Metrnl levels with anthropometric parameters and laboratory measurements were also assessed.
Results: There was no effect of maternal obesity or GDM on maternal plasma Metrnl concentrations. In cord plasma, Metrnl concentrations were significantly lower in NGT obese compared to NGT non-obese women and in non-obese GDM women compared to non-obese NGT women. Significant positive correlations were observed between maternal plasma Metrnl and cord plasma Metrnl. In cord plasma, significant positive correlations were observed between Metrnl levels and GWG and maternal and cord plasma glucose levels at delivery.
Conclusions: At the time of term cesarean section, preexisting maternal obesity and GDM are associated with lower Metrnl levels in cord plasma. Alterations in cord plasma Metrnl levels may lead to alterations in fetal growth trajectory and be a determinant for metabolic disorders later in life.