AimWe have shown that some markers of oxidative stress were higher in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study examines the relationship between adipokines and oxidative stress and their potential effects in pregnant women. MethodsThree markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, 8-isoprostane and xanthine oxidase) and three adipokines (leptin, adiponectin and resistin) were measured in maternal plasma, cord plasma and placenta of 208 pregnant women. ResultsAmong all these women, 105 were diagnosed with GDM while the other 103 were controls. Leptin, resistin, malondialdehyde, xanthine oxidase and 8-isoprostane in maternal plasma, cord plasma and placenta were significantly higher while maternal adiponectin significantly lower in women with GDM (P<0.05). Adipokines in maternal plasma, cord plasma and placenta were positively correlated with markers of oxidative stress. Both markers of oxidative stress and adipokines were correlated inversely with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance whereas positively with quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (P<0.01). Adiponectin is negatively correlated with leptin and resistin. Placental/cord leptin and cord resistin levels were higher in the macrosomia while maternal adiponectin level was lower (P<0.05) than normal birthweight newborns. Both markers of oxidative stress and adipokines in maternal and cord plasma are negatively correlated with newborn birthweight (P<0.05). ConclusionAdipokines interact with markers of oxidative stress, both of which lead to insulin resistance, GDM and macrosomia. It has long been known that placenta involves in the development of GDM. Adipokines might participate in this process and need to be confirmed by further studies.