Associations of Plasma Fatty Acid Patterns During Pregnancy With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

BackgroundLimited studies have explored the difference of fatty acid profile between women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and the results were inconsistent. Individual fatty acids tend to be interrelated because of the shared food sources and metabolic pathways. Thus, whether fatty acid patters during pregnancy were related to GDM odds needs further exploration.ObjectiveTo identify plasma fatty acid patters during pregnancy and their associations with odds of GDM.MethodsA hospital-based case-control study including 217 GDM cases and 217 matched controls was carried out in urban Wuhan, China from August 2012 to April 2015. All the participants were enrolled at the time of GDM screening and provided fasting blood samples with informed consent. We measured plasma concentrations of fatty acids by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and derived potential fatty acid patterns (FAPs) through principal components analysis. Conditional logistic regression and restricted cubic spline model were used to evaluate the associations between individual fatty acids or FAPs and odds of GDM.ResultsTwenty individual fatty acids with relative concentrations ≥0.05% were included in the analyses. Compared with control group, GDM group had significantly higher concentrations of total fatty acids, 24:1n-9, and relatively lower levels of 14:0, 15:0, 17:0, 18:0, 24:0, 16:1n-7, 20:1n-9,18:3n-6, 20:2n-6, 18:3n-3, 20:3n-3, 22:5n-3. Two novel patterns of fatty acids were identified to be associated with lower odds of GDM: (1) relatively higher odd-chain fatty acids, 14:0, 18:0, 18:3n-3, 20:2n-6, 20:3n-6 and lower 24:1n-9 and 18:2n-6 [adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval) (CI) for quartiles 4 vs. 1: 0.42 (0.23–0.76), P-trend = 0.002], (2) relatively higher n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, 24:0, 18:3n-6 and lower 16:0 and 20:4n-6 [adjusted OR (95% CI) for quartiles 4 vs. 1: 0.48 (0.26–0.90), P-trend = 0.018].ConclusionOur findings suggested that two novel FAPs were inversely associated with GDM odds. The combination of circulating fatty acids could be a more significant marker of GDM development than individual fatty acids or their subgroups.

Fatty acids and their metabolites (resolvins) are altered in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)

“…As a result, it is probable that altered fatty acids in GDM women are due to impaired transfer of fatty acids via the placenta to the cord blood and fetus. 46 A study by Chen et al has reported a positive association of DHA with HOMA-IR at 15.8 weeks of gestation in 1368 pregnant women (81 GDM and 1287 controls). 47 Earlier randomised controlled trials have also been unable to show any impact of omega-3 PUFA consumption on the prevalence of GDM.…”

Fatty acid composition in erythrocytes and coronary artery disease risk: a case–control study in China

“…Notably, C16:0 represents the most abundant SFAs in the human body, which can be obtained directly from dietary sources or synthesized through metabolic conversions involving other FAs, carbohydrates, and amino acids. 59,60 Under normal physiological conditions, tissue levels of C16:0 remain relatively stable due to the regulatory role of endogenous synthesis in maintaining balance even when dietary intake fluctuates. 60 However, specific physiological conditions or chronic nutritional imbalances can significantly impact de novo lipid synthesis and consequently alter the level of C16:0.…”