LCN2 and gestational diabetes: Finally, the expression of NGAL protein levels in the placenta (1.22 ± 0.39 vs. 0.65 ± 0.23, P < 0.001) and umbilical cord (0.65 ± 0.23 vs. 0.25 ± 0.10, P < 0.001) were higher in GDM women than those noted in the control subjects.