Abstract:

Gestational diabetes (GDM) can result in short-term and lasting health problems for the pregnant mother and the developing foetus. Instead of a sudden inflammatory response, GDM might trigger a chronic, low-level inflammation called "meta-inflammation." This persistent inflammation could play a role in the future development of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular issues for both the mother and child. Given this, the present study is an attempt to investigate the association between GDM and inflammation by evaluating the levels of interleukins. The study involved a total of 50 individuals, 25 pregnant women in gestational age 24 to 28 weeks as calculated by LMP and dating scan with gestational diabetes and 25 healthy pregnant women. Interleukin-10 and interleukin-6 levels were estimated by ELISA analysis. The plasma level of the anti-inflammatory marker IL-10 was significantly lower in the GDM group than in the healthy subjects group. Concomitantly the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 were found to be markedly increased in the GDM subjects in comparison to that of healthy subjects. Enhanced inflammatory response has been observed in GDM, suggesting that inflammatory markers could serve as predictive indicators for GDM. Delayed diagnosis could result in significant consequences for both the mother and the child, both in the short and long term. Hence, there is a pressing requirement for early markers of GDM to facilitate timely intervention and treatment. Exploring these inflammatory signals in greater detail presents an opportunity to enhance maternal health outcomes by creating focused and efficient therapeutic approaches.

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