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Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 and 7 concentrations are lower in obese pregnant women, women with gestational diabetes and their fetuses

Journal of Perinatology volume 35, pages 32–38 (2015)Cite this article

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Abstract

Objective:

To determine the effect of pre-existing maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on the circulating levels of insulin growth factor-binding protein (IGFBPs) in cord and maternal plasma.

Study Design:

IGFBP-1–7 levels were measured on maternal and cord plasma from women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (30 non-obese and 36 obese) and GDM (44 non-obese and 26 obese) at the time of term elective cesarean section.

Result:

Maternal plasma IGFBP-1, IGFBP-6 and IGFBP-rP1 concentrations were significantly lower in NGT obese compared with NGT non-obese women and in non-obese GDM women compared with non-obese NGT women. In cord plasma, IGFBP-1–3 and IGFBP-rP1 concentrations were significantly lower in NGT obese compared with NGT non-obese women and in non-obese GDM women compared with non-obese NGT women. Significant positive correlations were observed between maternal and cord plasma IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-rP1 levels and maternal insulin resistance. In cord plasma, significant positive correlations were observed between IGFBP-1–3 and IGFBP-rP1 levels and fetal insulin resistance. Fetal birthweight was inversely correlated with maternal plasma IGFBP-1 levels and cord plasma IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 levels. When corrected for maternal body mass index, the only significant relationship that still existed was between cord plasma IGFBP-1 concentrations and fetal birthweight.

Conclusion:

At the time of term cesarean section, pre-existing maternal obesity and GDM are associated with lower IGFBP levels in maternal and cord plasma. Alterations in circulating IGF and IGFBPs may alter birthweight and/or neonatal adiposity. This may lead to alterations in optimal growth trajectory and lead to metabolic disorders later in life.

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Acknowledgements

I would like to gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the Clinical Research Midwives Gabrielle Fleming, Astrid Tiefholz, Lyndall Paolucci, Debra Jinks and Asha Ferguson, and the Obstetrics and Midwifery staff of the Mercy Hospital for Women for their co-operation. Associate Professor Martha Lappas is supported by a Career Development Fellowship from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC; Grant No. 1047025). The work described in this manuscript was funded by a project grant from the NHMRC (Grant No. 454310), Diabetes Australia Research Trust (DART) and the Medical Research Foundation for Women and Babies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mercy Perinatal Research Centre, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia

    M Lappas

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Obstetrics, Nutrition and Endocrinology Group, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,

    M Lappas

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Correspondence to M Lappas.

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Lappas, M. Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 and 7 concentrations are lower in obese pregnant women, women with gestational diabetes and their fetuses. J Perinatol 35, 32–38 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2014.144

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