A common gene variant in STK11 is associated with metabolic risk markers and diabetes during gestation

To assess whether the common rs8111699 (C528G) variant in STK11 is related to metabolic risk markers in pregnant women and to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Cross-sectional study.

Hospital.

A total of 561 pregnant women: 318 without and 243 with GDM (National Diabetes Data Group criteria).

None.

rs8111699 variant in STK11 (Taqman technology). Fasting glucose, insulin (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and β-cell function [HOMA-IR and -β]) and C-peptide assessed at 24-28 weeks' gestation.

In non-GDM women, the G allele in rs8111699 was associated with lower HOMA-IR (CC: 1.3 ± 0.1 mIU/L; GG: 0.9 ± 0.1 mIU/L) and HOMA-β (CC: 165 ± 20 mIU/L; GG: 118 ± 10 mIU/L). In GDM women, the G allele was related to lower body mass index (BMI; CC: 27.9 ± 1.0 kg/m(2); GG: 24.5 ± 0.6 kg/m(2)) and C-peptide (CC: 2.3 ± 0.1 ng/mL; GG: 1.6 ± 0.1 ng/mL). The GG genotype was less frequently observed in GDM women (18% vs. 26%), particularly in heavier GDM women (BMI > median: 14% vs. 28%).

In pregnant women, the G allele for the rs8111699 variant in STK11 is associated with a more favorable metabolic phenotype and may protect against the development of GDM, particularly in heavier women.