Identification of Potential Biomarkers for Early Prediction of Gestational Diabetes

Abstract

Objectives Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is present in up to 10% of pregnancies in the United States. The occurrence of GDM causes severe short- and long-term complications for the mother and offspring. baby pre- and post-partum. Identification of the metabolites and potential biomarkers involved in GDM could improve the prediction of its occurence. The integration of food data with metabolite results could provide innovative diet intervention strategies. The objective of this study is to identify metabolites that differed in the first and third trimesters of GDM versus Non-GDM pregnancies. Methods Participants were 68 OW/OB pregnant women enrolled in the Healthy Beginnings Trial and completed blood draws at first (10–16 weeks) and third trimester (28–35 weeks). Participants from the control and dietary intervention group who developed GDM (n = 34; GDM group) were matched on age, BMI, ethnicity, and treatment group with those who did not develop GDM (n = 34; Non-GDM group). Plasma samples were analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-hybrid triple-quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTRAP) using three targeted metabolomics assays for primary metabolomics, aminomics and lipdomics. Dietary intake was estimated using 24 hour recalls in order to assess potential dietary differences between groups. Results A total of 243 metabolites were identified in the plasma samples. At first trimester, several complex lipids, including cholestryl esters and phospholipids, were higher in the GDM group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the purine derivative hypoxanthine was also higher in GDM subjects (P < 0.05). At third trimester, multiple acylcarnitines, associated with utilization of fat for energy, were lower in the GDM group (P < 0.05). Conclusions Metabolite differences between GDM and Non-GDM groups in plasma samples collected during first trimester may predict the development of GDM. Further research is required to identify the roles these metabolite changes play in the development of this disease. Funding Sources NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI; HL114377), ARI #58,875, Cal Poly CAFES SURP.