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Mannose-binding lectin gene polymorphisms are associated with gestational diabetes mellitus
Anna Megia1, Lluis Gallart, Jose-Manuel Fernández-Real
1Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, Research Department, University Hospital of Tarragona Joan XXIII, School of Medicine, Rovira I Virgili University, Tarragona 43007, Spain. jvo@comt.es <jvo@comt.es>
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|October 9, 2004
Summary
Genetic variations in Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) influence gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk. The G54D MBL2 gene variant increases GDM likelihood and is linked to higher infant birth weight.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Insulin resistance is a hallmark of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
- Pro-inflammatory markers, such as TNF-alpha, are linked to insulin resistance during pregnancy.
- Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) deficiency, caused by genetic variations, can lead to chronic inflammation and increased infection susceptibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if genetic predisposition to inflammation, specifically MBL2 gene polymorphisms, influences the risk of developing GDM.
- To examine the association between MBL2 gene variants (R52C and G54D) and plasma MBL levels with GDM incidence and clinical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of MBL2 gene polymorphisms (R52C, G54D) and measurement of plasma MBL levels were performed.
- The study included 105 women diagnosed with GDM and 173 healthy pregnant women.
- Statistical analyses, including odds ratios and correlation coefficients, were used to assess associations.
Main Results:
- The G54D polymorphism in the MBL2 gene was significantly associated with an increased risk of GDM (OR, 2.03).
- Women with the G54D mutation required insulin therapy more often and had infants with higher birth weights compared to GDM patients with the wild-type allele.
- An inverse correlation was observed between neonatal weight and plasma MBL levels in GDM patients.
Conclusions:
- The G54D MBL allele represents a genetic risk factor for developing GDM during pregnancy.
- This genetic predisposition is also associated with adverse neonatal outcomes, specifically increased infant birth weight.
- MBL levels may play a role in modulating GDM-related complications.