Epidermal growth factor receptor rs17337023 polymorphism in hypertensive gestational diabetic women: A pilot study

BACKGROUND Women with gestational diabetes mellitus have an increased risk of developing gestational hypertension,which can increase fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.In the past decade,single nucleotide polymorphisms in several genes have been identified as risk factors for development of gestational hypertension.The epidermal growth factor receptor activates tyrosine kinase mediated blood vessels contractility;and inflammatory cascades.Abnormalities in these mechanism are known to contribute towards hypertension.It is thus plausible that polymorphisms in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene would be associated with the development of hypertension in women with gestational diabetes.AIM To determine whether the epidermal growth factor receptor rs17337023 SNP is associated with the occurrence of hypertension in gestational diabetic women.METHODS This pilot case-control study was conducted at two tertiary care hospitals in Karachi,from January 2017-August 2018.Two hundred and two women at 28 week of gestation with gestational diabetes were recruited and classified into normotensive(n=80)and hypertensive(n=122)groups.Their blood samples were genotyped for epidermal growth factor receptor polymorphism rs17337023 using tetra-ARMS polymerase chain reaction.Descriptive analysis was applied on baseline data.Polymorphism data was analyzed for genotype and allele frequency determination using chi-squared statistics.In all cases,a P value of<0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS Subjects were age-matched and thus no difference was observed in relation to age of the study subjects(P>0.05).Body fat percentage was significantly higher in hypertensive females as compared to normotensive subjects(35.138±4.29 Case vs 25.01±8.28 Control;P<0.05).Similarly,systolic and diastolic blood pressures among groups were significantly higher in hypertensive group than the normotensive group(P<0.05).Overall epidermal growth factor receptor rs17337023 polymorphism genotype frequency was similar in both groups,with the heterozygous AT genotype(56 in Case vs 48 in Control;P=0.079)showing predominance in both groups.Furthermore,the odds ratio for A allele was 1.282(P=0.219)and for T allele was 0.780(P=0.221)in this study.CONCLUSION This pilot study indicates that polymorphisms in rs17337023 may not be involved in the pathophysiology of gestational hypertension in gestational diabetes via inflammatory cascade mechanism.Further large-scale studies should explore polymorphism in epidermal growth factor receptor and other genes in this regard.

Current knowledge on diabetic retinopathy from human donor tissues

According to the American Diabetes Association,diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death,and diabetic retinopathy the leading cause of blindness in working age adults in the United States in 2010.Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia associated with either hypoinsulinemia or insulin resistance,and over time,this chronic metabolic condition may lead to various complications including kidney failure,heart attacks,and retinal degeneration.In order to better understand the molecular basis of this disease and its complications,animal models have been the primary approach used to investigate the effects of diabetes on various tissues or cell types of the body,including the retina.However,inherent to these animal models are critical limitations that make the insight gained from these models challenging to apply to the human pathology.These difficulties in translating the knowledge obtained from animal studies have led a growing number of research groups to explore the diabetes complications,especially diabetic retinopathy,on tissues from human donors.This review summarizes the data collected from diabetic patients at various stages of diabetic retinopathy and classifies the data based upon their relevance to the main aspects of diabetic retinopathy:retinal vasculature dysfunction,inflammation,and neurodegeneration.This review discusses the importance of those studies to discriminate and establish the relevance of the findings obtained from animal models but also the limitations of such approaches.

Macular integrity assessment to determine the association between macular microstructure and functional parameters in diabetic macular edema

AIM： To respectively evaluate macular morphological features and functional parameters by using spectraldomain optical coherence tomography（SD-OCT） and macular integrity assessment（MAIA） in patients with diabetic macular edema（DME）. METHODS： This prospective, non-controlled, open study included 61 eyes of 38 consecutive patients with DME. All patients underwent best-corrected visual acuity（BCVA） measurement, MAIA microperimetry, and SDOCT. DME morphology, including central retinal thickness（CRT） and central retinal volume（CRV）; integrity of the external limiting membrane（ELM） and photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment（IS/OS） junction; and the deposition of hard macular exudates were assessed within a 1000-μm central subfield area. MAIA microperimetry parameters evaluated were average threshold（AT）-retinal sensitivity, macular integrity index（MI）, fixation points within a circle of radius 1°（P1） and 2°（P2）, and bivariate contour ellipse area considering 63% and 95% of the fixation points（A63 and A95, respectively）. RESULTS： MI was significantly higher in eyes with disrupted ELM or IS/OS, compared with eyes with intact ELM and IS/OS. Values of BCVA（log MAR）, total AT, AT within 1000-μm diameter, P2, A63, A95, and CRT were significantly worse in eyes with disrupted IS/OS, compared with eyes with intact IS/OS. The values of BCVA（log MAR）, AT within 1000-μm diameter, and CRT were significantly worse in eyes with disrupted ELM, compared with eyes with intact ELM. These parameters were not significantly different between eyes with or without hard macular exudate deposition. CRV was not significantly different in the presence or absence of the integrity of ELM, IS/OS, or deposition of hard macular exudates. At the center, nasal and temporal sectors of the fovea, significant negative correlations were observed between retinal thickness and AT of the corresponding area. At the inferior and superior sectors of the fovea, no correlations were observed between retinal thickness and AT of the corresponding area. In the intact IS/OS group, significant negative correlations were observed between CRT and central AT. There was no correlation between retinal sensitivity and thickness when the IS/OS layer was disrupted. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that IS/OS integrity was an independent factor affecting MI. CONCLUSION： Functional（BCVA and visual field） and morphological parameters（retinal thickness） were significantly associated with an intact IS/OS. Local photoreceptor integrity was a strong predictor of local visual function throughout the retina. MI revealed the functional status in DME, reflecting the IS/OS juction status in the macula.

Cardiac changes in infants of diabetic mothers

Diabetes mellitus(DM)is a systemic chronic metabolic disorder characterized by increased insulin resistance and/orβ-cell defects.It affects all ages from the foetal life,neonates,childhood to late adulthood.Gestational diabetes is a critical risk factor for congenital heart diseases(CHDs).Moreover,the risk increases with low maternal education,high body mass index at conception,undiagnosed pregestational diabetes,inadequate antenatal care,improper diabetes control,and maternal smoking during pregnancy.Maternal DM significantly affects the foetal heart and foetal-placental circulation in both structure and function.Cardiac defects,myocardial hypertrophy are three times more prevalent in infants of diabetic mothers(IDMs).Antenatal evaluation of the cardiac function and structures can be performed with foetal electrocardiography and echocardiography.Postnatal cardiac evaluation can be performed with natal and postnatal electrocardiography and echocardiography,detection of early atherosclerotic changes by measuring aortic intima-media thickness,and retinal vascular changes by retinal photography.Ameliorating the effects of diabetes during pregnancy on the offspring depends mainly on pregestational and gestational diabetes prevention.However,other measures to reduce the risk,such as using medications,nutritional supplements,or probiotics,still need more research.This review discusses the mechanism of foetal sequels and the risk factors that increase the prevalence of CHDs in gestational DM,the various cardiac outcomes of gestational DM on the foetus and offspring,cardiac evaluation of foetuses and IDMs,and how to alleviate the consequences of gestational DM on the offspring.

Cardiometabolic effects of breastfeeding on infants of diabetic mothers

BACKGROUND Breast milk is the best and principal nutritional source for neonates and infants.It may protect infants against many metabolic diseases,predominantly obesity and type 2 diabetes.Diabetes mellitus(DM)is a chronic metabolic and microvascular disease that affects all the body systems and all ages from intrauterine life to late adulthood.Breastfeeding protects against infant mortality and diseases,such as necrotizing enterocolitis,diarrhoea,respiratory infections,viral and bacterial infection,eczema,allergic rhinitis,asthma,food allergies,malocclusion,dental caries,Crohn's disease,and ulcerative colitis.It also protects against obesity and insulin resistance and increases intelligence and mental development.Gestational diabetes has short and long-term impacts on infants of diabetic mothers(IDM).Breast milk composition changes in mothers with gestational diabetes.AIM To investigate the beneficial or detrimental effects of breastfeeding on the cardiometabolic health of IDM and their mothers.METHODS We performed a database search on different engines and a thorough literature review and included 121 research published in English between January 2000 and December 15,2022,in this review.RESULTS Most of the literature agreed on the beneficial effects of breast milk for both the mother and the infant in the short and long terms.Breastfeeding protects mothers with gestational diabetes against obesity and type 2 DM.Despite some evidence of the protective effects of breastfeeding on IDM in the short and long term,the evidence is not strong enough due to the presence of many confounding factors and a lack of sufficient studies.CONCLUSION We need more comprehensive research to prove these effects.Despite many obstacles that may enface mothers with gestational diabetes to start and maintain breastfeeding,every effort should be made to encourage them to breastfeed.

New exploration on pathogenesis and early diagnosis of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)refers to varying degrees of abnormal glucose metabolism that occur during pregnancy and excludes patients pre-viously diagnosed with diabetes.GDM is a unique among the four subtypes of diabetes classified by the international World Health Organization standards.Although GDM patients constitute a small proportion of the total number of diabetes cases,the incidence of GDM has risen significantly over the past decade,posing substantial risk to pregnant women and infants.Therefore,it warrants considerable attention.The pathogenesis of GDM is generally considered to resemble that of type II diabetes,though it may have distinct characteristics.Analyzing blood biochemical proteins in the context of GDM can help elucidate its pathogenesis,thereby facilitating more effective prevention and management strategies.This article reviews this critical clinical issue to enhance the medical community's sufficient understanding of GDM.

Intricacies during pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus

The study by Cao et al aimed to identify early second-trimester biomarkers that could predict gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)development using advanced proteomic techniques,such as Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.Their analysis revealed 47 differentially expressed proteins in the GDM group,with retinol-binding protein 4 and angiopoietin-like 8 showing significantly elevated serum levels compared to controls.Although these findings are promising,the study is limited by its small sample size(n=4 per group)and lacks essential details on the reproducibility and reliability of the protein quantification methods used.Furthermore,the absence of experimental validation weakens the interpretation of the protein-protein interaction network identified through bioinformatics analysis.The study's focus on second-trimester biomarkers raises concerns about whether this is a sufficiently early period to implement preventive interventions for GDM.Predicting GDM risk during the first trimester or pre-conceptional period may offer more clinical relevance.Despite its limitations,the study presents valuable insights into potential GDM biomarkers,but larger,well-validated studies are needed to establish their predictive utility and generalizability.

Genetic and epigenetic alterations associated with gestational diabetes mellitus and adverse neonatal outcomes

Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)is a metabolic disorder,recognised during 24-28 weeks of pregnancy.GDM is linked with adverse newborn outcomes such as macrosomia,premature delivery,metabolic disorder,cardiovascular,and neurological disorders.Recent investigations have focused on the correlation of genetic factors such asβ-cell function and insulin secretary genes(transcription factor 7 like 2,potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily q member 1,adipo-nectin etc.)on maternal metabolism during gestation leading to GDM.Epigenetic alterations like DNA methylation,histone modification,and miRNA expression can influence gene expression and play a dominant role in feto-maternal meta-bolic pathways.Interactions between genes and environment,resulting in differ-ential gene expression patterns may lead to GDM.Researchers suggested that GDM women are more susceptible to insulin resistance,which alters intrauterine surroundings,resulting hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia.Epigenetic modi-fications in genes affecting neuroendocrine activities,and metabolism,increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes in offspring.There is currently no treatment or effective preventive method for GDM,since the molecular processes of insulin resistance are not well understood.The present review was undertaken to un-derstand the pathophysiology of GDM and its effects on adverse neonatal out-comes.In addition,the study of genetic and epigenetic alterations will provide lead to researchers in the search for predictive molecular biomarkers.

Studies on Cardiac Cytoarchitectonic and Biochemical Indices in Pregnant Streptozotocin-lnduced Diabetic Rats Treated with Gliclazide and Insulin

Introduction： GDM （gestational diabetes mellitus） is a common complication of pregnancy, and prevalence has become alarming. Insulin remains the cornerstone in management of diabetes mellitus but oral agents have been increasingly viewed as potential alternatives to insulin because it＇s economically low in cost, easier to administer and affordable to monitor compare to insulin. Aim： This study aimed to determine the effects of Gliclazide on the heart cytoarchitectonic and some biochemical indices of pregnant STZ （streptozotocin）-induced diabetic rats compare with insulin. Methods： Twenty （20） pregnant Sprague Dawley rats weighing between 130 g and 150 g were used for the experiments. The rats were divided into four （4） groups： Group 1 （Non-diabetic）, Group 2 （Diabetic）, Group 3 （Diabetic ＋ Gliclazide） and Group 4 （Diabetic ＋ Insulin）. The glucose levels and body weights were monitoring daily. The experimental rats were sacrificed on the 19th on gestational period, blood samples and organs were collected for biochemical and histo-morphological examinations. Results： Gliclazide group rats showed significant increase in body weight compared with diabetic group Q9 〈 0.05）. The blood glucose level of rats in gliclazide group was significantly reduced compared with other groups. There was significant increase in reduced GSH （glutathione） of gliclazide and insulin groups compared with diabetic group. MDA （malondialdehyde） and CAT （catalase） levels activities were significantly increase in diabetic group compared with other groups. Hormonal profiles and hematological parameters are significantly increased in gliclazide, and insulin group compared with diabetic group. There were distortions in the structural organization of heart of diabetic group while gliclazide and insulin groups showed remarkable improvements of the degenerative changes of the myocardium. Conclusions： Gliclazide glycemic control has shown beneficial effects on the cardiomyocytes damage in STZ-induced diabetic rats by maintaining the histological integrity of the heart leading to reduced degenerative changes in the myocardium.

Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Puerto Rico: A Study from 2016 to 2021

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a temporary form of insulin resistance during pregnancy and is linked to adverse outcomes for both mothers and offspring. Maternal risks include an increased prevalence of pre-eclampsia, cesarean delivery, and the development of type 2 diabetes within five to ten years post-delivery. For offspring, exposure to elevated maternal glucose levels is associated with macrosomia. A significant challenge in evaluating the prevalence of GDM in Puerto Rico is the lack of recent research quantifying this condition in pregnant women living in Puerto Rico. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus from 2016 to 2021 by analyzing data collected by Puerto Rico’s Department of Health. Methods: We obtained publicly accessible data from the Division of Children, Mothers, and Adolescents from Puerto Rico’s Department of Health to estimate the prevalence of GDM across the island. Additionally, we correlated the prevalence with socioeconomic, educational, and demographic variables using beta regression models to assess their significance. Results: The prevalence of GDM ranged from 3.2% to 4.5% for the six years studied, with an average prevalence of 3.68%. Regression analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between maternal age and educational level. Higher educational attainment was associated with a reduced risk of GDM, while increasing maternal age was linked to a higher prevalence of the condition. Conclusion: This statistical analysis provides evidence of a steady increase in the prevalence of GDM in Puerto Rico from 2016 to 2021, highlighting the importance of ongoing surveillance and specific interventions to mitigate risk factors.

Serum proteins differentially expressed in gestational diabetes mellitus assessed using isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation proteomics

BACKGROUND As a well-known fact to the public,gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)could bring serious risks for both pregnant women and infants.During this important investigation into the linkage between GDM patients and their altered expression in the serum,proteomics techniques were deployed to detect the differentially expressed proteins(DEPs)of in the serum of GDM patients to further explore its pathogenesis,and find out possible biomarkers to forecast GDM occurrence.METHODS Subjects were divided into GDM and normal control groups according to the IADPSG diagnostic criteria.Serum samples were randomly selected from four cases in each group at 24-28 wk of gestation,and the blood samples were identified by applying iTRAQ technology combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.Key proteins and signaling pathways associated with GDM were identified by bioinformatics analysis,and the expression of key proteins in serum from 12 wk to 16 wk of gestation was further verified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).RESULTS Forty-seven proteins were significantly differentially expressed by analyzing the serum samples between the GDMgravidas as well as the healthy ones. Among them, 31 proteins were found to be upregulated notably and the rest16 proteins were downregulated remarkably. Bioinformatic data report revealed abnormal expression of proteinsassociated with lipid metabolism, coagulation cascade activation, complement system and inflammatory responsein the GDM group. ELISA results showed that the contents of RBP4, as well as ANGPTL8, increased in the serumof GDM gravidas compared with the healthy ones, and this change was found to initiate from 12 wk to 16 wk ofgestation.CONCLUSION GDM symptoms may involve abnormalities in lipid metabolism, coagulation cascade activation, complementsystem and inflammatory response. RBP4 and ANGPTL8 are expected to be early predictors of GDM.

Epigenetic modifications of placenta in women with gestational diabetes mellitus and their offspring

Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)is a pregnancy-related complication characterized by abnormal glucose metabolism in pregnant women and has an important impact on fetal development.As a bridge between the mother and the fetus,the placenta has nutrient transport functions,endocrine functions,etc.,and can regulate placental nutrient transport and fetal growth and development according to maternal metabolic status.Only by means of placental transmission can changes in maternal hyperglycemia affect the fetus.There are many reports on the placental pathophysiological changes associated with GDM,the impacts of GDM on the growth and development of offspring,and the prevalence of GDM in offspring after birth.Placental epigenetic changes in GDM are involved in the programming of fetal development and are involved in the pathogenesis of later chronic diseases.This paper summarizes the effects of changes in placental nutrient transport function and hormone secretion levels due to maternal hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia on the development of offspring as well as the participation of changes in placental epigenetic modifications due to maternal hyperglycemia in intrauterine fetal programming to promote a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of placental epigenetic modifications on the development of offspring from patients with GDM.

Associations of serum D-dimer and glycosylated hemoglobin levels with third-trimester fetal growth restriction in gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)is a special type of diabetes that commonly occurs in women during pregnancy and involves impaired glucose tolerance and abnormal glucose metabolism;GDM is diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy and can affect fetal growth and development.AIM To investigate the associations of serum D-dimer(D-D)and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)levels with third-trimester fetal growth restriction(FGR)in GDM patients.METHODS The clinical data of 164 pregnant women who were diagnosed with GDM and delivered at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from January 2021 to January 2023 were analyzed retrospectively.Among these women,63 whose fetuses had FGR were included in the FGR group,and 101 women whose fetuses had normal body weights were included in the normal body weight group(normal group).Fasting venous blood samples were collected from the elbow at 28-30 wk gestation and 1-3 d before delivery to measure serum D-D and HbA1c levels for comparative analysis.The diagnostic value of serum D-D and HbA1c levels for FGR was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analysis,and the influencing factors of third-trimester FGR in GDM patients were analyzed by logistic regression.RESULTS Serum fasting blood glucose,fasting insulin,D-D and HbA1c levels were significantly greater in the FGR group than in the normal group,while the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance values were lower(P<0.05).Regarding the diagnosis of FGR based on serum D-D and HbA1c levels,the areas under the curves(AUCs)were 0.826 and 0.848,the cutoff values were 3.04 mg/L and 5.80%,the sensitivities were 81.0%and 79.4%,and the specificities were 88.1%and 87.1%,respectively.The AUC of serum D-D plus HbA1c levels for diagnosing FGR was 0.928,and the sensitivity and specificity were 84.1%and 91.1%,respectively.High D-D and HbA1c levels were risk factors for third-trimester FGR in GDM patients(P<0.05).CONCLUSION D-D and HbA1c levels can indicate the occurrence of FGR in GDM patients in the third trimester of pregnancy to some extent,and their combination can be used as an important index for the early prediction of FGR.

Gestational diabetes mellitus combined with fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus, four cases of double diabetes: A case report

BACKGROUND Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus(FT1DM)that occurs during pregnancy or the perinatal period is known as pregnancy-related FT1DM(PF),always without history of abnormal glucose metabolism.Here,we present four patients who developed FT1DM during treatment but were first diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM).CASE SUMMARY The clinical data of four patients with GDM combined with FT1DM admitted to our hospital between July 2018 and April 2021 were collected,and the patients and their infants were followed up.All patients were diagnosed with GDM during the second trimester and were treated.The blood glucose level elevated suddenly during the third trimester and then were diagnosed with FT1DM.Two patients had an insulin allergy,and two had symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection before onset.One patient developed ketoacidosis,and three developed ketosis.Two patients had cesarean section deliveries,and two had vaginal deliveries.The growth and development of the infants were normal.C-peptide levels were lower than those at onset,suggesting progressive impairment of islet function.The frequencies of the DRB109:01,DQB103:03,DQA103:02,DPA101:03,DPA102:02,DPB105:01,DRB401:03,G 01:01,and G 01:04 human leukocyte antigen(HLA)-G alleles were high in the present study.CONCLUSION In comparison with pregnancy-associated FT1DM(PF),patients with GDM combined with FT1DM had an older age of onset,higher body mass index,slower onset,fewer prodromal symptoms,and less acidosis.The pathogenesis may be due to various factors affecting the already fragileβ-cells of GDM patients with genetically susceptible class II HLA genotypes.We speculate that GDM combined with FT1DM during pregnancy,referred to as“double diabetes,”is a subtype of PF with its own unique characteristics that should be investigated further.

Proteomics for early prenatal screening of gestational diabetes mellitus

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Cao et al.Through applying isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification technology coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry,the researchers observed significant differential expression of 47 proteins when comparing serum samples from pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)to the healthy ones.GDM symptoms may involve abnormalities in inflammatory response,complement system,coagulation cascade activation,and lipid metabolism.Retinol binding protein 4 and angiopoietin like 8 are potential early indicators of GDM.GDM stands out as one of the most prevalent metabolic complications during pregnancy and is linked to severe maternal and fetal outcomes like pre-eclampsia and stillbirth.Nevertheless,none of the biomarkers discovered so far have demonstrated effectiveness in predicting GDM.Our topic was designed to foster insights into advances in the application of proteomics for early prenatal screening of GDM.

Circulating glycated albumin levels and gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)is characterized by glucose intolerance that is first diagnosed during pregnancy,making it the most common complication associated with this period.Early detection and targeted treatment of GDM can minimize foetal exposure to maternal hyperglycaemia and subsequently reduce the associated adverse pregnancy outcomes.Previous studies have inconsistently suggested that the level of glycated albumin(GA)might predict GDM.AIM To review and synthesize existing evidence to evaluate the relationship between GA levels and the development of GDM.METHODS We sought to compare GA levels between GDM and control groups in this metaanalysis by systematically searching the Web of Science,PubMed,Cochrane Library,and Embase databases for articles published up to June 2023.The analysis utilized the weighted mean difference(WMD)as the primary metric.The data were meticulously extracted,and the quality of the included studies was assessed.Additionally,we conducted a subgroup analysis based on study region and sample size.We assessed heterogeneity using I2 statistics and evaluated publication bias through funnel plots.Additionally,trim-and-fill analysis was employed to detect and address any potential publication bias.RESULTS The meta-analysis included a total of 11 studies involving 5477 participants,comprising 1900 patients with GDM and 3577 control individuals.The synthesized results revealed a notable correlation between elevated GA levels and increased susceptibility to GDM.The calculated WMD was 0.42,with a 95%confidence interval(95%CI)ranging from 0.11 to 0.74,yielding a P value less than 0.001.Concerning specific GA levels,the mean GA level in the GDM group was 12.6,while for the control group,it was lower,at 11.6.This discrepancy underscores the potential of GA as a biomarker for assessing GDM risk.Moreover,we explored the levels of glycated haemoglobin(HbA1c)in both cohorts.The WMD for HbA1c was 0.19,with a 95%CI ranging from 0.15 to 0.22 and a P value less than 0.001.This observation suggested that both GA and HbA1c levels were elevated in individuals in the GDM group compared to those in the control group.CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis revealed a substantial correlation between elevated GA levels and increased GDM risk.Furthermore,our findings revealed elevated levels of HbA1c in GDM patients,emphasizing the significance of monitoring both GA and HbA1c levels for early GDM detection and effective management.

Long-term effects of gestational diabetes mellitus on the pancreas of female mouse offspring

BACKGROUND Prolonged fetal exposure to hyperglycemia may increase the risk of developing abnormal glucose metabolism and type-2 diabetes during childhood,adolescence,and adulthood;however,the mechanisms by which gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)predisposes offspring to metabolic disorders remain unknown.AIM To quantify the nerve axons,macrophages,and vasculature in the pancreas from adult offspring born from mouse dams with GDM.METHODS GDM was induced by i.p.administration of streptozotocin(STZ)in ICR mouse dams.At 12 wk old,fasting blood glucose levels were determined in offspring.At 15 wk old,female offspring born from dams with and without GDM were sacrificed and pancreata were processed for immunohistochemistry.We quantified the density of sensory[calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP)]and tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)axons,blood vessels(endomucin),and macro-phages(CD68)in the splenic pancreas using confocal microscopy.RESULTS Offspring mice born from STZ-treated dams had similar body weight and blood glucose values compared to offspring born from vehicle-treated dams.However,the density of CGRP+and TH+axons,endomucin+blood vessels,and CD68+macrophages in the exocrine pancreas was significantly greater in offspring from mothers with GDM vs control offspring.Likewise,the microvasculature in the islets was significantly greater,but not the number of macrophages within the islets of offspring born from dams with GDM compared to control mice.CONCLUSION GDM induces neuronal,vascular,and inflammatory changes in the pancreas of adult progeny,which may partially explain the higher propensity for offspring of mothers with GDM to develop metabolic diseases.

Developing and validating a predictive model of delivering large-forgestational-age infants among women with gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND The birth of large-for-gestational-age(LGA)infants is associated with many shortterm adverse pregnancy outcomes.It has been observed that the proportion of LGA infants born to pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)is significantly higher than that born to healthy pregnant women.However,traditional methods for the diagnosis of LGA have limitations.Therefore,this study aims to establish a predictive model that can effectively identify women with GDM who are at risk of delivering LGA infants.AIM To develop and validate a nomogram prediction model of delivering LGA infants among pregnant women with GDM,and provide strategies for the effective prevention and timely intervention of LGA.METHODS The multivariable prediction model was developed by carrying out the following steps.First,the variables that were associated with LGA risk in pregnant women with GDM were screened by univariate analyses,for which the P value was<0.10.Subsequently,Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression was fit using ten cross-validations,and the optimal combination factors were se-lected by choosing lambda 1se as the criterion.The final predictors were deter-mined by multiple backward stepwise logistic regression analysis,in which only the independent variables were associated with LGA risk,with a P value<0.05.Finally,a risk prediction model was established and subsequently evaluated by using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve,calibration curve and decision curve analyses.RESULTS After using a multistep screening method,we establish a predictive model.Several risk factors for delivering an LGA infant were identified(P<0.01),including weight gain during pregnancy,parity,triglyceride-glucose index,free tetraiodothyronine level,abdominal circumference,alanine transaminase-aspartate aminotransferase ratio and weight at 24 gestational weeks.The nomogram’s prediction ability was supported by the area under the curve(0.703,0.709,and 0.699 for the training cohort,validation cohort,and test cohort,respectively).The calibration curves of the three cohorts displayed good agreement.The decision curve showed that the use of the 10%-60%threshold for identifying pregnant women with GDM who are at risk of delivering an LGA infant would result in a positive net benefit.CONCLUSION Our nomogram incorporated easily accessible risk factors,facilitating individualized prediction of pregnant women with GDM who are likely to deliver an LGA infant.

Tailored nutritional interventions: A precision approach to managing gestational diabetes mellitus

Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)is a risk to maternal-fetal health due to uncertain diagnostic criteria and treatment options.Luo's study demonstrated the efficacy of customized nutritional therapies in controlling GDM.Tailored strategies led to significant body weight loss,improved glucolipid metabolism,and fewer prenatal and newborn problems.This holistic approach,which emphasizes the notion of’chrononutrition’,takes into account optimal meal timing that is in sync with circadian rhythms,as well as enhanced sleep hygiene.Implementing tailored dietary therapy,managing meal timing,and ensuring appropriate sleep may improve results for women with GDM,opening up a possible avenue for multi-center trials.

Management of gestational diabetes mellitus via nutritional interventions:The relevance of gastric emptying

Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)represents one of the most common medical complications of pregnancy and is important to the well-being of both mothers and offspring in the short and long term.Lifestyle intervention remains the mainstay for the management of GDM.The efficacy of nutritional approaches(e.g.calorie restriction and small frequent meals)to improving the maternal-neonatal outcomes of GDM was attested to by Chinese population data,discussed in two articles in recent issues of this journal.However,a specific focus on the relevance of postprandial glycaemic control was lacking.Postprandial rather than fasting hyperglycaemia often represents the predominant manifestation of disordered glucose homeostasis in Chinese women with GDM.There is now increasing appreciation that the rate of gastric emptying,which controls the delivery of nutrients for digestion and absorption in the small intestine,is a key determinant of postprandial glycaemia in both health,type 1 and 2 diabetes.It remains to be established whether gastric emptying is abnormally rapid in GDM,particularly among Chinese women,thus contributing to a predisposition to postprandial hyperglycaemia,and if so,how this influences the therapeutic response to nutritional interventions.It is essential that we understand the role of gastric emptying in the regulation of postprandial glycaemia during pregnancy and the potential for its modulation by nutritional strategies in order to improve postprandial glycaemic control in GDM.