Regulation of the novel adipokines/ hepatokines fetuin A and fetuin B in gestational diabetes mellitus

Women with GDM have significantly higher fetuin B levels as compared to healthy pregnant control women and GDM status, insulin resistance, and fetuin A positively predict circulating fetuin B. Postpartum fetuin B is decreased as compared to prepartum values suggesting a placental co-secretion of this novel adipokine/hepatokine. Further studies need to elucidate factors contributing to fetuin B regulation in humans, as well as the pathophysiological significance of fetuin B upregulation in GDM.