Dynamic changes in the expression of C1q/TNF-α-related protein 6 (CTRP6) in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Aim: C1q/TNF-related protein 6 (CTRP6) is a novel adipokine involved in insulin resistance. Thus, we aim to investigate the expression profile of CTRP6 in plasma, adipose tissue and placenta of GDM patients and mice. Methods Pregnant women (GDM n = 9, control n = 10) with a scheduled caesarean section delivery were recruited. High fat diet (HFD) induced C57BL/6 pregnancy mice were chosen as an animal model of GDM. Circulating levels of CTRP6 and adiponectin were examined by ELISA. CTRP6 expression in adipose tissue and placenta were detected by real time qPCR and WB. Result The plasma CTRP6 level were decreased during first (for mice)/second and third trimesters, while increased at delivery in GDM patients and mice. Plasma CTRP6 level were significantly correlated with WBC, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure and fasting blood glucose. Moreover, CTRP6 mRNA expression in subcutaneous (sWAT) and omental white adipose tissue (oWAT) as well as placenta were significantly higher in GDM human at cesarean delivery. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of Ctrp6 were increased in sWAT and visceral WAT (vWAT) whilst decreased in interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) of GDM mice at cesarean delivery. Conclusion Dynamically expressed CTRP6 may be served as a candidate target for treatment of GDM.