Changes in serum levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide, adiponectin, and ghrelin in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

AIM: This study was designed to determine serum calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) levels and define whether serum CGRP concentration is associated with adiponectin and ghrelin in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-six pregnant women with GDM and 43 normal pregnant women without glucose intolerance were evaluated in this study. The serum concentration of CGRP, adiponectin, and ghrelin were measured in two groups at the last trimester of gestation. MAIN FINDINGS: The serum CGRP level in the GDM group was significantly higher than the control group. Serum levels of adiponectin and ghrelin in the GDM group were significantly lower than in the control group. In pregnant women with GDM, there was a significant negative correlation between serum CGRP level and adiponectin level. However, the correlation between maternal serum CGRP levels and ghrelin levels was not significant. CONCLUSION: Our investigation shows that serum CGRP level was significantly higher in pregnant women with GDM in comparison with the control group. These results suggest that CGRP may play a very important role in GDM pathogenesis.