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

Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). 2022 Feb 12;27(2):56. doi: 10.31083/j.fbl2702056.

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.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04270578.

Keywords: Gestational diabetes mellitus; Interleukin-6; Maternal stress; Obesity.

MeSH terms

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

Substances

  • Insulin
  • Interleukin-6
  • Hydrocortisone

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT04270578