Fibroblast growth factor-21 is a potential diagnostic factor for patients with gestational diabetes mellitus

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic disease with symptoms of hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and fetal maldevelopment. Evidence has indicated that fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 is a multifunctional protein and exhibits potential therapeutic value for metabolic diseases. The present study investigated the diagnostic value of FGF-21 serum levels in patients with GDM (n=50) and age-matched healthy individuals (n=50). It was demonstrated that the gene and protein expression levels of FGF-21 were downregulated in adipose cells in patients with GDM compared with those in healthy individuals. The results also indicated that the serum levels of FGF-21 were downregulated in patients with GDM compared with those in healthy individuals. In addition, it was demonstrated that blood glucose and blood pressure were higher in patients with GDM compared with those in healthy individuals. GDM patients had a markedly higher insulin resistance and glucose tolerance than healthy individuals. However, GDM patients had significantly lower serum levels of insulin than healthy individuals. It was observed that the serum levels of FGF-21 were positively correlated with those of glucose in GDM patients. In conclusion, these results indicate that decreased FGF-21 levels are associated with the risk of GDM, suggesting that FGF-21 may be a potential diagnostic factor for GDM.