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Periostin Acts as a Bridge between Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and Chronic Inflammation to Modulate Insulin

Qun Ji1,2, Xinying Li3, Yan Wang4

  • 1Department of Endocrinology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.

Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders Drug Targets
|April 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) involves elevated periostin (POSTN) levels, linking GDM to inflammation. POSTN modulates insulin resistance via the PPARα/NF-κB/TNF-α pathway.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Immunology
  • Reproductive Biology

Background:

  • Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is characterized by impaired glucose metabolism and insulin resistance during pregnancy.
  • Chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor in GDM pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine periostin (POSTN) levels in pregnant women with GDM.
  • To investigate the association between POSTN and GDM, including its role in inflammation and insulin resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of POSTN levels in GDM and non-GDM pregnant women.
  • GDM mouse model induction and assessment of glucose metabolism and insulin resistance.
  • In vitro and in vivo studies using POSTN-siRNA and shRNA to evaluate its effects on inflammation and insulin signaling pathways (PPARα, NF-κB, TNF-α).

Main Results:

  • GDM patients exhibited significantly higher POSTN levels, impaired glucose tolerance, and insulin resistance compared to controls.
  • POSTN reduction ameliorated inflammation and improved insulin sensitivity in both cellular and animal models.
  • POSTN influenced the PPARα/NF-κB/TNF-α signaling pathway, suggesting a role in mediating inflammation.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated POSTN is associated with GDM and chronic inflammation.
  • POSTN may serve as a crucial link between GDM and inflammation, impacting insulin resistance through the PPARα/NF-κB/TNF-α pathway.
Abstract

Keywords:
Gestational diabetes mellitusPPARα/NF-κB/TNF- α signaling pathwayglucose metabolisminflammationinsulin resistanceperiostin

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