Leptin and soluble leptin receptor in association with gestational diabetes: a prospective case–control study

Purpose To assess the association of serum leptin and its receptor (SLeptinR) with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to evaluate the longitudinal circulation of these peptides in pregnancy. Methods This study consisted of 53 subjects diagnosed with GDM and 43 normal glucose tolerance (NGT) pregnant women. Serum leptin and SLeptinR were measured at 24–28 weeks, prior and after delivery, and post-puerperium. Results Lower levels of leptin and SLeptinR were observed in GDM compared to NGT. Leptin [OR 0.97 (95% CI 0.94–1.0)] and SLeptinR [OR 0.86 (95% CI 0.79–0.93]) were inversely associated with GDM. Participants in the lowest tertile for leptin and SLeptinR had a 2.8-fold (95% CI 1.0–7.6) and a 5.7-fold (95% CI 1.9–17.3) higher risk of developing GDM compared with the highest tertile, respectively. These relationships were attenuated after adjustment for covariates. In both the groups, peak leptin was observed at 24–28 weeks, decreasing continuously during pregnancy ( p > 0.05) and after delivery ( p