Abstract
Objective We aimed to examine the predictive and prognostic value of
plasma zonulin for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in women at 24–28
weeks of gestation.
Methods This retrospective study was carried out with pregnant women with
GDM (n=98) and normal glucose tolerance (control group) (n=132).
GDM was diagnosed according to American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria with
a one-step 75-g OGTT at 24–28 gestational weeks. Their serum zonulin
levels measured during one-step 75-g OGTT and perinatal outcomes were compared,
and the cut-off value of plasma zonulin for the prediction of GDM was calculated
with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.
Results Plasma zonulin level was significantly higher in women with GDM
compared to controls (28.8±24.9 and
7.3±11.3 ng/mL, respectively). According to logistic
regression analysis, plasma zonulin levels and GDM were statistically
significant. The plasma zonulin cut-off value
was>45.2 ng/mL. The rate of cesarean section, the rate
of meconium in the amniotic fluid, and the need for admission to the neonatal
intensive care unit significantly differed between women with GDM and
controls.
Conclusion In pregnant women with GDM, plasma zonulin increases, and with
the cut-off level of>45.2 ng/mL, it can predict GDM with
values of sensitivity and specificity levels significantly higher in pregnant
women with GDM, suggesting that it can be used as a tool for its screening and
early diagnosis.
Key words
gestational diabetes mellitus - zonulin - perinatal outcome - prediction - biomarker