Evaluating Serum Endosialin (CD248) Levels as a Diagnostic Marker in Gestational Diabetes: A Case-Control Study

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a pregnancy-induced hyperglycemia, affects approximately 17% of pregnancies globally. Its pathophysiology remains unclear, with inflammation and vascular remodeling playing key roles. CD248, a glycoprotein linked to inflammation and vascular remodeling, has been implicated in various conditions, but its role in GDM is uncertain.

A prospective case-control study was conducted with 169 pregnant women aged 18 to 49 at a tertiary hospital. Serum CD248 levels were assessed at 24 to 28 weeks of gestation prior to the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Statistical analyses evaluated the association between CD248 levels, BMI and GDM status.

Of the participants, 32 (18.9%) were diagnosed with GDM. CD248 levels were lower in GDM patients (8.15 ± 10.16 ng/mL) than in controls (11.42 ± 15.44 ng/mL), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.084). Although CD248 levels did not correlate with OGTT values, it was positively associated with BMI (p <0.001).

Unlike earlier findings associating elevated CD248 levels with early pregnancy GDM risk, this study found no significant relationship during later gestational stages. These results highlight a potentially complex and context-dependent role for CD248 in GDM pathophysiology.