Placental Expression of Glucose and Zinc Transporters in Women with Gestational Diabetes

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a metabolic disorder with altered glucose levels diagnosed in pregnant women. The pathogenesis of GDM is not fully known, but it is thought to be caused by impaired insulin production and insulin resistance induced by diabetogenic factors. The placenta may play an important role in the development of GDM. Glucose transporters (GLUTs) are responsible for the delivery of glucose into the foetal circulation. Placental zinc transporters regulate insulin and glucagon secretion, as well as gluconeogenesis and glycolysis. The aim of this study was to investigate the placental expression of GLUT3, GLUT4, GLUT7 and SLC30A8 in women with GDM. Furthermore, we evaluated whether the expression profiles of these transporters were correlated with clinical parameters. Methods: This study included 26 patients with GDM and 28 patients with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Results: The placental expression of GLUT3 was significantly reduced in the GDM group, while the placental expression of GLUT4, GLUT7 and SLC30A8 was significantly upregulated in the GDM group. GLUT3 expression correlated significantly with body mass index (BMI) increase during pregnancy and body mass increase during pregnancy, while GLUT4 expression correlated negatively with BMI at birth. Conclusions: These results suggest the involvement of GLUT3 and GLUT4, GLUT7 and SLC30A8 in the pathogenesis of GDM.