Serum adipocyte fatty acid binding protein level and evaluation of its relationship with metabolic syndrome among women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as carbohydrate intolerance diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy. Insulin resistance which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of GDM may continue after delivery. Because of this, women with previous GDM (pGDM) have increased risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases.Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) is a cytoplasmic protein which is involved in fatty acid transport in adipocytes and macrophages. Circulating A-FABP has been reported to be associated with MS, DM and atherosclerosis.In this study, we aimed to determine the risk factors associated with MS and cardiovascular diseases, the development of subclinical atherosclerosis and to evaluate the relationship of metabolic risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis with serum A-FABP in women with pGDM.One hundred and twenty women with pGDM and 53 healthy women with no history of pGDM were enrolled. The prevalence of impaired fasting glucose/impaired glucose tolerance, DM and MS were 37.50 %, 16.66 % and 35.83 % among women with pGDM, respectively. Women with pGDM were detected to be more insulin resistant and obese. Serum A-FABP, which is associated with development of MS and DM, was higher among women with pGDM and especially among the subclass with MS. Serum A-FABP was independently associated with waist circumference but not with the other contributers of MS. Serum A-FABP was higher in women with pGDM who had glucoce intolerance. Carotis intima meida thickness (CIMT) was higher in women with pGDM and serum A-FABP was associated with CIMT.In conclusion, serum A-FABP is higher in women with pGDM. Serum A-FABP level can be used as an early indicator of metabolic disturbances in women with pGDM.