Pre-pregnancy BMI but not mild stress directly influences Interleukin-6 levels and insulin sensitivity during late pregnancy

• Published in: Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark. Print) 2022-02, Vol.27 (2), p.56-56
• Main Authors: Bauer, Ilena, Schleger, Franziska, Hartkopf, Julia, Veit, Ralf, Breuer, Muriel, Schneider, Nathalie, Pauluschke-Fröhlich, Jan, Peter, Andreas, Preissl, Hubert, Fritsche, Andreas, Fritsche, Louise
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Body Mass Index; Diabetes, Gestational - diagnosis; Diabetes, Gestational - metabolism; Female; gestational diabetes mellitus; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Insulin - metabolism; Insulin Resistance; Interleukin-6; Male; maternal stress; obesity; Pregnancy
• ISSN: 2768-6701; 2768-6698
• DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2702056

This study investigates the influence of maternal stress during pregnancy on maternal insulin sensitivity and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in pregnant women (N = 277) in dependence of pre-pregnancy Body-Mass-Index (BMI). Gestational diabetes was diagnosed in 80 women. We used the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-D) to investigate maternal stress during pregnancy with a higher scoring indicating higher maternal stress level. IL-6 and cortisol were measured and maternal insulin sensitivity was assessed with the non-esterified fatty acid insulin sensitivity index (NEFA-ISI). Generalized Linear Model analysis was used to analyze effects within different stress groups. Maternal low stress symptoms during pregnancy showed no significant association with maternal insulin sensitivity or IL-6. Higher cortisol levels during pregnancy were associated with elevated IL-6 concentrations. Pre-pregnancy BMI had the strongest positive effect on IL-6 levels and was negatively associated with insulin sensitivity during pregnancy. Therefore, preconceptional interventions to reduce BMI are needed to improve maternal metabolism during pregnancy.