Placental Neurotrophin Levels in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

OBJECTIVE Neurotrophins are known to influence the development and maturation of the feto-placental unit and affect fetal growth trajectories. The present study reports the levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain derived growth factor (BDNF) in the placentae of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) METHODS: A total number of 60 women with GDM and 70 women without GDM (non-GDM) were included in the study. Placental NGF and BDNF levels were measured using commercially available ELISA kits RESULTS: Placental NGF levels were lower (p<0.05) in women with GDM compared to non-GDM women. Maternal Body Mass Index (BMI), mode of delivery and the gender of the baby influenced the placental NGF levels. Placental BDNF levels were similar in GDM and non-GDM women. There was an influence of baby gender on the placental BDNF levels while maternal BMI and mode of delivery did not show any effect. In regression models adjusted for maternal age at delivery, gestational age, maternal BMI, mode of delivery, baby gender, placental NGF levels in the GDM group were lower (-0.144 pg/ml [95% CI -0.273,-0.016] p=0.028) as compared to the non GDM group. However, there was no difference in the BDNF levels among the groups. CONCLUSION The present study for the first time demonstrates differential effects on neurotrophic factors such as BDNF and NGF in the placentae in pregnancies complicated by GDM. Alterations in the levels of placental neurotrophins in GDM deliveries may affect placental development and fetal brain growth. This has implications for increased risk for neurodevelopmental pathologies in later life.