[Relationship between maternal hemoglobin level in first trimester with gestational diabetes mellitus]

Identification of women at risk of diabetes mellitus a most prevalent disorder in pregnancy, could be useful. This 2009 study investigated whether high maternal Hemoglobin [HB/ ] level in the first trimester would be associated with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in women referring to healthcare centers in Tehran. A case-control was conducted on 60 pregnant women with gestational diabetes [case group] and 61 pregnant women without the condition [control group] referring to healthcare clinics affiliated to the Research Center of Endocrinology and Metabolism of the Ayatolah Taleghani Hospital as well as Iran Research Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, selected by convenience sampling. An information form was used for collecting data by interviewing the subjects. Both groups were matched for age, number of abortions and parity. Demographic characteristics were similar in the two groups. Levels of Hb [>13.8 g/dl] in the case group were higher than in the control group [60% vs. 6.6%] significant difference between the 2 groups [p=0.0001] with an estimated odds ratio [OR] 7.61 [CI 95%=2.72 -21.28]. Findings showed a significant relationship between high maternal Hb and Gestational diabetes Mellitus. Healthcare workers can use the results of this study to monitor high maternal hemoglobin in the first trimester as a significant risk factor for gestational diabetes. Thus, in selected screening programs for gestational diabetes in terms of risk factors, women should undergo GTT and preventive measures with less time and cost can be taken decrease the complications

[Serum visfatin concentration in patients with metabolic syndrome]

Recent studies indicate that Visfatin, a newly identified adipocytokine, may have potential proinflammatory effects. Since, the relationship between serum visfatin levels and metabolic syndrome [MetS] has not been established, the aim of this study was to explore the association between serum visfatin levels and anthropometric variables and the metabolic syndrome. Thirty-seven patients with MetS and 37 age matched controls [mean age 46.35 +/- 1.6 years] were included. Metabolic syndrome in patients was defined based on the 2005 criteria of the International Diabetes Federation, and anthropometric and biochemical profiles were documented. Serum Visfatin was measured using an enzyme immunoassay [EIA] kit. Using the t-test, data were compared between groups and Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between continuous variables. P values <0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Serum Visfatin level was significantly lower in metabolic syndrome patients [P<0. 05] compared controls, log visfatin: 1.74 +/- 0.27 nanogram/ml vs. 1.86 +/- 0.13 nanogram/ml, respectively. There was no significant correlation between serum visfatin levels and any anthropometric or any metabolic parameters in patients with metabolic syndrome or the control group. The results of this study showed that serum visfatin level was decreased in patients with MetS, indicating that Visfatin cannot be considered as a new proinflammatory adipocytokine for the metabolic syndrome