The aim of this study is to examine the changes in the amniotic membrane diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus. In this study, as a control group human amnion membrane from normotensive pregnancies was collected from diabetic women at 28–35 weeks of gestation. Gestational diabetes (n= 6) and normal amnion membrane (n= 6) for a total of 12 units were received. Amniotic membrane thickness was measured (p<0.0001) and it was significantly higher in GDM groups compared to control group. The diameter of the amniotic epithelial cell nuclei was measured (p=0.0022). Gestational diabetes results show that there was weakening between amniotic epithelial cell-cell junction. This study showed that structural changes in epithelial cells of amniotic membrane were formed due to diabetes. The membrane thickness has led to structural changes in diameter and in diabetes group cause extracellular matrix to increase, thus leading to MMP-9 expression increase eventually disrupting matrix balance. In addition, with cd44 increase angiogenesis has been induced and thought to influence material pass between fetus and mother.

KEY WORDS: Amniotic membrane; Gestational diabetic mothers; Immunohistochemical changes.