Pre-pregnancy BMI but not mild stress directly influences Interleukin-6 levels and insulin sensitivity during late pregnancy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

This study investigates the influence of maternal stress during pregnancy on maternal insulin sensitivity and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in pregnant women (N = 277) in dependence of pre-pregnancy Body-Mass-Index (BMI).

METHODS:

Gestational diabetes was diagnosed in 80 women. We used the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-D) to investigate maternal stress during pregnancy with a higher scoring indicating higher maternal stress level. IL-6 and cortisol were measured and maternal insulin sensitivity was assessed with the non-esterified fatty acid insulin sensitivity index (NEFA-ISI). Generalized Linear Model analysis was used to analyze effects within different stress groups.

RESULTS:

Maternal low stress symptoms during pregnancy showed no significant association with maternal insulin sensitivity or IL-6. Higher cortisol levels during pregnancy were associated with elevated IL-6 concentrations. Pre-pregnancy BMI had the strongest positive effect on IL-6 levels and was negatively associated with insulin sensitivity during pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS:

Therefore, preconceptional interventions to reduce BMI are needed to improve maternal metabolism during pregnancy.

• Authors: Ilena Bauer, Franziska Schleger, Julia Hartkopf, Ralf Veit, Muriel Breuer, Nathalie Schneider, Jan Pauluschke-Fröhlich, Andreas Peter, Hubert Preissl, Andreas Fritsche, Louise Fritsche
• Journal: Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition) (Front Biosci (Landmark Ed)) Vol. 27 Issue 2 Pg. 56 (02 12 2022) ISSN: 2768-6698 [Electronic] Singapore
• PMID: 35226999 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2022 The Author(s). Published by IMR Press.

Chemical References

• Insulin
• Interleukin-6
• Hydrocortisone

Topics

• Body Mass Index
• Diabetes, Gestational (diagnosis, metabolism)
• Female
• Humans
• Hydrocortisone
• Insulin (metabolism)
• Insulin Resistance
• Interleukin-6
• Male
• Pregnancy