Serum levels of spexin are increased in the third trimester pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Spexin is a peptide that is involved in energy homeostasis and its expression is influenced by altered glucose metabolism. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with increased insulin resistance (IR) and pregnancy is a progressive insulin resistant state. We hypothesized that spexin may have an effect on the pathophysiology of GDM which further could help to identify the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate spexin levels in the third trimester pregnancies with GDM and healthy controls. Thirty-nine women with GDM and 39 healthy singleton pregnancies were enrolled in this case-control study. Serum spexin concentrations were measured and correlated to biochemical and clinical parameters. Serum spexin levels were significantly higher in women with GDM (3686.25 ± 348.37 vs. 3472.33 ± 293.93 pg/ml, p=.004). Spexin levels ​​did not differ significantly according to treatment modality. Moreover, spexin levels were significantly positively correlated with homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR). Spexin levels were significantly higher in women with GDM and closely related to HOMA-IR in the third trimester pregnancy. This may help to better clarify the pathophysiological role of spexin in GDM.