Alterations of adiponectin gene expression and DNA methylation in adipose tissues and blood cells are associated with gestational diabetes and neonatal outcome

• Published in: Clinical epigenetics 2018-10, Vol.10 (1), p.131-131, Article 131
• Main Authors: Ott, Raffael, Stupin, Jens H, Melchior, Kerstin, Schellong, Karen, Ziska, Thomas, Dudenhausen, Joachim W, Henrich, Wolfgang, Rancourt, Rebecca C, Plagemann, Andreas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adiponectin; Adiponectin - blood; Adiponectin - genetics; Adiponectin - metabolism; Adipose tissue; Adult; Blood cells; Body Mass Index; Cord blood; Diabetes mellitus; Diabetes, Gestational - blood; Diabetes, Gestational - genetics; Diabetes, Gestational - metabolism; DNA; DNA Methylation; Down-Regulation; Epigenetic inheritance; Epigenetics; Female; Fetuses; Gene expression; Genetic aspects; Gestational diabetes; Gestational diabetes mellitus; Homeostasis; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Insulin resistance; Methylation; Neonates; Offspring; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Prospective Studies; Studies; Subcutaneous Fat - metabolism; Womens health
• ISSN: 1868-7075; 1868-7083; 1868-7083; 1868-7075
• DOI: 10.1186/s13148-018-0567-z

Adiponectin critically contributes to metabolic homeostasis, especially by insulin-sensitizing action. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is characterized by insulin resistance leading to materno-fetal hyperglycemia and detrimental birth outcomes. By investigating paired subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) as well as blood (cell) samples of GDM-affected (n = 25) vs. matched control (n = 30) mother-child dyads of the prospective "EaCH" cohort study, we addressed whether alterations of adiponectin plasma, mRNA, and DNA methylation levels are associated with GDM and offspring characteristics. Hypoadiponectinemia was present in women with GDM, even after adjustment for body mass index (BMI). This was accompanied by significantly decreased mRNA levels in both SAT and VAT (P