1227-P: Observational Study on Subclinical Inflammation and Lymphocyte Distribution in Adipose Tissue during Pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: Subclinical inflammation within adipose tissues is known to influence metabolic health, particularly during pregnancy and in conditions like Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). This study aims to investigate the patterns of inflammation and lymphocyte presence in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues during pregnancy, with a focus on the impact of GDM.

Methods: This observational study included 100 pregnant women, 50 with GDM and 50 without (controls), matched for age and BMI. Biopsies of subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues were taken during cesarean sections. Histological examinations were performed to identify inflammatory markers and lymphocyte counts. The comparison between groups and tissue types was analyzed using independent t-tests and multivariate regression to adjust for potential confounders.

Results: Subclinical inflammation and lymphocyte counts were significantly higher in GDM patients' adipose tissues (inflammation: 2.5±0.8 GDM vs. 1.3±0.6 controls, p<0.001; lymphocytes: 25±5 vs. 15±4, p<0.001). Visceral tissue showed more inflammation (2.8±0.7) than subcutaneous (2.2±0.7) in GDM (p<0.01). Inflammation severity correlated with HbA1c (r=0.62, p<0.001) and gestational age at diagnosis (r=0.47, p<0.01).

Conclusion: Subclinical inflammation, higher lymphocyte counts in adipose tissues, and GDM have been associated in the study. Visceral adipose tissue had more inflammation, suggesting a therapeutic attention. Understanding these patterns can help reduce GDM's inflammatory effects on mothers and children. Following these findings, additional study is needed to determine mechanisms and therapies.