Decreased Paraoxonase and Arylesterase Activities in the Pathogenesis of Future Atherosclerotic Heart Disease in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate serum paraoxonase, arlyesterase activities, and lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) levels in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: Paraoxonase and arylesterase activities, and LOOH levels were assessed for GDM cases (n = 55) and controls (n = 59). Serum basal and salt-stimulated paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were measured spectrophotometrically. LOOH levels were measured by ferrous oxidation with a xylenol orange assay. Results: Basal and salt-stimulated paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were significantly lower (p = 0.002, p = 0.004; and p = 0.013, respectively) in patients with GDM compared to controls, while LOOH levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001). Among gestational diabetes patients, serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were inversely correlated with LOOH levels (r = -0.390, p = 0.003; and r = -0.287, p = 0.034, respectively). Conclusions: Findings of the present study have shown that serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities are significantly reduced in women with GDM. Decreased serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities might play a role in the potential early pathogenesis for atherosclerotic heart disease in GDM beyond their antioxidant properties.