INFLAMMATION markers in pregnant mothers with Type 2 diabetes were higher in comparison to non-diabetic controls. However, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor, involved in neural survival and growth, remained unchanged between the observed maternal diabetic groups according to a new prospective cohort study.
Comparing Inflammatory Markers During Pregnancy
Maternal diabetes has previously been associated with increased systemic inflammation and adverse neonatal outcomes, including developmental delays that may persist into early childhood.
In this prospective cohort study, investigators compared maternal and foetal cord blood concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers and a key neurotrophin among women with pre-gestational Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and non-diabetic controls.
The study included 98 pregnant women aged 18–40 years: 16 with Type 1 diabetes, 49 with Type 2 diabetes, and 33 matched controls. Participants were matched for gestational age and body mass index to minimise potential confounding from obesity. Plasma samples were collected at 28–30 weeks, 34–36 weeks, at delivery, and from cord blood.
Researchers measured C-reactive protein (CRP), IL 6, and brain derived neurotrophic factor using standardised assays and compared concentrations between groups using analysis of variance.
Distinct Inflammatory Profiles by Diabetes Type
The results showed significantly different levels of inflammatory biomarkers between the diabetic and non-diabetic groups. Maternal CRP protein concentrations in mothers with Type 2 diabetes were found to be higher at 28-30 weeks, 34-36 weeks and delivery (p=0.019; p=0.028; p=0.068 respectively), when compared to non-diabetic mothers.
Conversely, IL 6 levels were approximately threefold lower than those observed in non-diabetic controls and 3.42-fold lower than those recorded in mothers with Type 2 diabetes.
IL 6 concentrations were higher in foetal cord blood samples at delivery compared to the Type 1 diabetic and non-diabetic mothers, however, statistical significance was not reached (ANOVA P=0.052).
Neurotrophin Levels Remained Stable
Similar levels of the brain derived neurotrophic factor were reported among mothers with Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and non-diabetic controls.
Conclusion
Overall, this study found that maternal diabetes increased the maternal inflammatory marker CRP. Researchers called for more study to be undertaken to glean insight into how maternal diabetes inflammation links to foetal neural function and development in the uterus.
Reference
Wendel MP et al. Maternal and cord-blood inflammatory markers and BDNF in diabetic vs. non-diabetic pregnancies. Sci Rep. 2026;DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-54318-1
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