Date of Award

9-2021

Degree Name

MS in Nutrition

Department/Program

Food Science and Nutrition

College

College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences

Advisor

Michael La Frano

Advisor Department

Food Science and Nutrition

Advisor College

College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences

Abstract

Introduction: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) results in complications affecting both mother and child. The implementation of metabolomics to assess metabolite alterations is needed to better understand its etiology. Prior research by our lab in first trimester samples of GDM patients indicated altered fatty acid utilization and purine degradation products.

Objective: Metabolomics analysis was conducted on third trimester (28 -35 weeks) plasma samples to observe differences associated with GDM.

Methods: Fifty samples taken from the Healthy Beginnings trial and their corresponding data were included in the study. Plasma samples were analyzed using UPLC-MS with metabolomic assays for primary metabolomics, aminomics, and lipidomics. Plasma metabolite comparisons were made between participants who developed GDM (n=27) and individuals without GDM (n=23) through UPLC-MS analysis with metabolomic assays for primary metabolomics, aminomics, and lipidomics. Dietary intake was collected via 24 hour recalls to assess dietary differences between groups.

Results: Fatty acid oxidation-related metabolites altered included lower decanoyl-, dodecenoyl-, and lauroyl-carnitine (p

Conclusion: In support of previous research in first trimester samples, metabolomics revealed altered markers of fatty acid metabolism and purine degradation in GDM patients. Further research is necessary to validate these findings and identify the key roles these metabolites may play in GDM development.

Keywords: Gestational diabetes mellitus, metabolomics, acylcarnitines, purines

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