Gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with a low serum level of mitochondrial-derived peptide-MOTS-C

Abstract Objectives Although MOTS-C has been reported to have a role in diabetes mellitus, no human studies have evaluated the serum level of MOTS-C in GDM. It was aimed to investigate serum levels of MOTS-C in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods Comparisons were made of 44 pregnant patients diagnosed with GDM and a control group of 44 healthy pregnant women in respect of serum MOTS-C, insulin, and glucose levels, and serum lipid profile. Results A significantly higher level of fasting serum glucose and significantly lower serum levels of MOTS-C and high density lipoprotein were determined in the GDM group compared to the control group (p<0.05 for all). A cut-off value of 173.5 ng/mL for serum MOTS-C level had sensitivity of 81.8 % and specificity of 61.4 % for GDM diagnosis (p<0.001). A significant correlation was determined between the serum MOTS-C and serum glucose levels (r=−0.239, p=0.025). Conclusions For the first time in literature, the results of this study showed that patients with GDM had a decreased serum level of MOTS-C and that increasing serum MOTS-C levels were associated with a decrease in serum glucose levels, thereby supporting the view that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role in GDM pathogenesis. Therefore, MOTS-C could be a promising diagnostic biomarker for GDM cases.