# IL-6 Polymorphism as a Predisposing Genetic Factor for Gestational Diabetes or Preeclampsia Development in Pregnancy with Obesity in Relation to VEGF and VEGFF Receptor Gene Expression Modalities

## TL;DR

This study explores how obesity and specific genetic factors increase the risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia during pregnancy.

## Contribution

The study identifies the IL-6 G allele and altered VEGF/VEGF-R gene expression as risk factors for pregnancy complications in obese individuals.

## Key findings

- The G allele of IL-6 is linked to higher risks of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia in obese pregnancies.
- Obese pregnant individuals with gestational diabetes or preeclampsia show reduced VEGF and increased VEGF-R gene expression.
- Obese pregnant women share a genetic profile with type 2 diabetes patients, increasing pregnancy complication risks.

## Abstract

The increased prevalence of obesity worldwide has been implicated in the alarming rise of the incidence of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, which are both considered threatening conditions for both mother and fetus. We studied gene polymorphisms of the proinflammatory cytokine Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and the gene expression levels of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and VEGF-R (endothelial growth factor receptor), all known to be involved in pregnancy complications, aiming to identify possible predisposing risk factors in pregnancies with obesity. The G allele of IL-6 was found to correspond with an increased risk for gestational diabetes and preeclampsia occurrence. Furthermore, in obese pregnant mothers with either gestational diabetes or pre-existing type 2 diabetes and those who developed preeclampsia, it was confirmed that gene expression levels of VEGF were reduced while they were increased for VEGF receptors. We conclude that the genetic profile of an obese pregnant woman shares a common background with that of a patient with pre-existing type 2 diabetes mellitus, and therefore predisposes them to complications in pregnancy.