Decreased maternal and placental concentrations of follistatin-like 3 in gestational diabetes

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to determine maternal and placental concentrations of follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3), and, maternal concentrations of myostatin in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).Methods40 women with GDM of term pregnancy were recruited and 40 maternal age- and gestational age-matched normally pregnant women served as control. Maternal blood samples and placental tissues were collected. Maternal concentrations of FSTL3 and myostatin were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and, placental concentrations of FSTL3 by Western blotting.ResultsWomen with GDM had significantly lower serum FSTL3 concentrations than controls (P = 0.001). Placental concentrations of FSTL3 were significantly lower in GDM group than in controls (P < 0.001). Women with GDM had significantly higher homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlc) than control women (P = 0.042 and < 0.01, respectively). Maternal serum myostatin was not significantly different between GDM and control groups (P = 0.312).ConclusionsMaternal and placental FSTL3 concentrations were reduced in GDM women compared with normally pregnant women, suggesting FSTL3 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes.

► Follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3) is an antagonist for members of TGF-β superfamily.
► Maternal and placental FSTL3 is decreased in women with GDM.
► Follistatin-like 3 may play an important role in gestational diabetes.