Transforming growth factor-beta 1 levels in women with prior history of gestational diabetes mellitus

It is known that women with prior history of gestational diabetes mellitus (pGDM) feature obesity, insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction which cause premature atherosclerosis. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) is a key cytokine in obesity and insulin resistance and also play important roles in the development of atherosclerosis. This study was conducted to demonstrate the serum TGF-β1 levels of people with pGDM. Thirty women with pGDM, 20 women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 20 healthy women were enrolled. Serum TGF-β1 levels of people with pGDM were found to be significantly higher than healthy controls and significantly lower than women with T2DM. TGF-β1 levels were found to be correlated with postprandial glucose and age and inversely correlated with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. On multiple regression analysis postprandial glucose level, age and BMI were determined as the most important factors affecting TGF-β1 levels. This sudy demonstrates elevated TGF-β1 levels in pGDM. The inflammatory response to hyperglycemia and insulin resistance could be the major factors for the increased expression of TGF-β1.