The Interplay of Adipokines, Body Composition and Glucose Homeostasis in Pregnant Women with a History of RYGB Operation

Abstract

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass operations (RYGB-OP) and pregnancy alter glucose homeostasis and the adipokine profile. This study investigates the relationship between adipokines and glucose metabolism during pregnancy post-RYGB-OP. (1) Methods: This is a post hoc analysis of a prospective cohort study during pregnancy in 25 women with an RYGB-OP (RY), 19 women with obesity (OB), and 19 normal-weight (NW) controls. Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) was used for metabolic characterization. Plasma levels of adiponectin, leptin, fibroblast-growth-factor 21 (FGF21), adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (AFABP), afamin, and secretagogin were obtained. (2) Results: The phase angle (φ) was lower in RY compared to OB and NW. Compared to OB, RY, and NW had lower leptin and AFABP levels, and higher adiponectin levels. φ correlated positively with leptin in RY (R = 0.63, p < 0.05) and negatively with adiponectin in OB and NW (R = −0.69, R = −0.69, p < 0.05). In RY, the Matsuda index correlated positively with FGF21 (R = 0.55, p < 0.05) and negatively with leptin (R = −0.5, p < 0.05). In OB, FGF21 correlated negatively with the disposition index (R = −0.66, p < 0.05). (3) Conclusions: The leptin, adiponectin, and AFABP levels differ between RY, OB, and NW and correlate with glucose metabolism and body composition. Thus, adipokines might influence energy homeostasis and maintenance of cellular health during pregnancy.