Relationship Between Adipocyte Fatty Acid Binding Protein And Insulin Resistance In Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Objective To investigate the relationship between adipocyte fatty acid binding protein(FABP4) and insulin resistance in gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM). Methods The expression of the FABP4mRNA and protein in subcutaneous fat was determined in 32 pregnant women with GDM (GDM group)and 30 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (control group) by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)and western blot. The serum FABP4 levels and fasting insulin levels (FIN) were measured by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioimmunity assay. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was measured by glucose oxidase. Insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated according to equations. Results (1) The serum levels of FABP4,FIN,FPG,HOMA-IR were significantly higher in GDM group [(32.71±1.93) mg/L (12.17±1.48) mU/L,(5.34±0.92) mmol/L,(2.51±0.24)] than those in control group[(21.42±1.87)mg/L,(8.33±0.84) mU/L,(4.16±0.63) mmol/L. (1.52±0.13)] (p< 0.05);(2) The levels of FABP4mRNA and FABP4 protein expression in subcutane-ous fat were significantly higher in GDM group[(0.84±0.11),(0.82±0.12)] than those in control group[(0.58±0.07),(0.56±0.09)](p<0.05).(3) There were significant correlations between FABP4mRNA and FABP4 protein levels in subcutaneous fat and HOMA-IR(r =0.635,0.552, P< 0.05) in GDM group, and the levels of serum FABP4 were positively correlated with HOMA-IR(r=0.595, P<0.05).There were no correlations between FABP4mRNA and FABP4 protein levels in subcutaneous fat and serum FABP4 levels. Conclusions Higher expression of FABP4 in subcutaneous fat and the elevation of the levels of serum FABP4 may be the cause of insulin resistance in GDM.