Relationship between serum Betatrophin, GPIHBP1, and LDL subfractions in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) leads to changes in the lipid metabolism. In this study, we aimed to compare serum levels of LDL subfractions, betatrophin, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1) between patients with GDM and healthy pregnant women. Design and Methods: We designed a prospective case-control study with 41 pregnant women. Subjects were divided into two groups: GDM and control. Betatrophin and GPIHBP1 levels were measured by ELISA method. Lipoprint LDL subfraction kit was used to perform LDL subfraction analysis electrophoretically. Results: Serum levels of LDL6 subfraction, betatrophin, and GPIHBP1 were found to be higher in GDM group compared to the controls (p < 0.001). The mean LDL size were also found larger in GDM group. A positive correlation was found between betatrophin and GPIHBP1 levels (rho = 0.96, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that betatrophin, and GPIHBP1 levels were found to be increased in GDM. This maybe the result of adaptive mechanisms in response to insulin resistance, but also this relationship should be evaluated for their effects on impaired lipid metabolism and lipoprotein lipase metabolism. There is a need for further prospective studies with larger samples to fully elucidate the mechanisms of this relationship both in pregnant patients and the other patient groups.