Role of tumour necrosis factor-alpha in insulin resistance during normal pregnancy

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2002 Oct 10;105(1):7-10. doi: 10.1016/s0301-2115(02)00108-2.

Abstract

Objective: Role of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was studied in insulin resistance during pregnancy.

Study design: Serum TNF-alpha (ELISA) and fasting C-peptide (Cp) (RIA) concentrations were measured in 40 healthy pregnant women (15, 12 and 13 of them in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters, respectively) and in 25 healthy non-pregnant women in a case-control study.

Results: TNF-alpha (X+/-S.D.: 5.33+/-0.46 pg/ml) and Cp levels (3.37+/-1.30 ng/ml) were significantly higher in the 3rd trimester as compared with matched healthy controls (TNF: 4.07+/-0.26, Cp: 1.05+/-0.36) and to the pregnant women in 1st (TNF: 4.04+/-0.26, Cp: 1.34+/-0.59) and 2nd (TNF: 4.35+/-0.32, Cp: 1.11+/-0.35) trimesters. Significant positive linear correlation was calculated among TNF-alpha, Cp, Cp/blood glucose ratio (indirect parameters of insulin resistance) and body mass indexes (BMIs) of pregnant women (P<0.01).

Conclusion: TNF-alpha may contribute to the insulin resistance during the course of normal pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Pressure
  • Body Constitution
  • Body Mass Index
  • C-Peptide / blood
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insulin Resistance*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications*
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Third
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / analysis
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / physiology*

Substances

  • C-Peptide
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha