Comparative analysis of vaspin in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus and healthy non-pregnant women

To explore serum vaspin, leptin, and adiponectin levels and their correlation with insulin resistance (IR) in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and healthy non-pregnant women. A total of 262 individuals, including pregnant women with GDM (n = 86), those without GDM (n = 92), and age-matched healthy non-pregnant women (n = 84) were enrolled in this case–control study. Vaspin, leptin, adiponectin, glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), and lipid parameters were measured. The homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance (HOMA–IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index, and body mass index were calculated. Data inferred higher concentrations of vaspin (2.72 ± 2.20 vs. 1.84 ± 1.57 vs. 0.81 ± 1.02) in GDM than during normal pregnancy and in non-pregnant women, higher leptin (23.42 ± 12.18 vs. 22.19 ± 10.55 vs. 12.10 ± 11.26), and lower adiponectin (4,164.83 ± 2,650.39 vs. 4,871.66 ± 2,803.51 vs. 7,202.85 ± 4,893.13) in GDM and normal pregnancy as compared to non-pregnant women (p < 0.05). Vaspin was positively correlated to leptin (r = 0.273, p = 0.012), HOMA–IR (r = 0.387, p = 0.000), and triglycerides (TG, r = 0.218, p = 0.046) in GDM. In addition, leptin was negatively correlated to adiponectin in GDM (r = −0.336, p = 0.002) and normal pregnancy (r = −0.256, p = 0.014). Furthermore, vaspin was significantly correlated to GDM and HOMA–IR, and the weight gain might play a vital role in the occurrence of GDM. During pregnancy, high vaspin concentration is significantly associated with IR in GDM.