Maternal circulating levels of syncytiotrophoblast vesicles expressing Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV (DPPIV) are increased in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic disorder of pregnancy. Plasma of women with GDM display lower levels of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which increases insulin secretion and thus regulates glucose homeostasis. GLP-1 concentration normalizes after delivery; suggesting placental involvement in regulating maternal glucose-dependent insulin secretion. The syncytiotrophoblast of the human placenta produces and secretes extracellular vesicles (STBEVs) into the maternal circulation, by which the placenta may affect maternal metabolism. We analysed the presence of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV), a potent inhibitor of GLP-1, on STBEVs in GDM and normal pregnancy