Serum Irisin Levels in Normal Pregnant and Gestational Diabetic Rat Model

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a pregnancy complication characterized by insulin resistance. Irisin is a myokine that  has been associated to obesity and inflammation. The data on irisin levels in pregnancy and GDM is still debatable. This study aimed  to assess serum irisin levels and explore its association with some metabolic and inflammatory parameters in normal pregnant  and GDM rats.

Methods: Forty-five female albino rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=15 animals). The rats of both normal  pregnant and GDM-induced groups were fed a normal diet and a Fatty-sucrose diet respectively for five weeks before pregnancy  induction. The later injected with streptozotocin on the 7 th day of gestation. Body mass index (BMI), serum irisin, triglycerides, total  cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), and high-density lipoproteinscholesterol (HDL-c), c-reactive protein (CRP),  glucose, insulin levels and calculated homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMAIR) were estimated.

Results: The  irisin levels in normal pregnant rats increased significantly more than in controls, whereas it was significantly lower in GDM rats. In GDM  rats, BMI, CRP, glucose, and lipid indices, all were significantly raised and negatively linked with irisin. In GDM rats, HDL-C levels were  decreased significantly and positively associated with irisin.

Conclusions: Late pregnancy is associated with high serum irisin levels that were lower in GDM rats compared to normal pregnant rats and negatively correlated with insulin resistance, lipid, and inflammatory  parameters.