Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/2696
Date of Award
10-2023
Degree Name
MS in Nutrition
Department/Program
Food Science and Nutrition
College
College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences
Advisor
Kari Pilolla
Advisor Department
Food Science and Nutrition
Advisor College
College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences
Abstract
Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic disorder that has been defined as glucose intolerance that is first identified during pregnancy. The etiology of GDM is not yet fully understood, but there are several risk factors that appear to contribute to its development such as advanced age at pregnancy, family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and a previous history of GDM. The discovery of predictive GDM biomarkers has the potential to enable early GDM detection and lead to earlier diagnosis and preventative interventions.
Objective: Perform metabolomics analysis on plasma samples collected at pre-conception and at 26-weeks gestation to investigate metabolic differences between participants of the gestational diabetes prevention (GDP) clinical trial who developed GDM and those who did not.
Methods: Targeted metabolomics, comprised of primary metabolomics, biogenic amines, and lipidomics assays, was performed using UPLC-MS on plasma samples collected from a subset of 30 participants that completed the GDP study at preconception and 26 weeks gestation. The samples used for this analysis were from participants who developed GDM (n=19) and those who did not (n=11) in their pregnancy following their participation in the GDP study.
Results: Multivariate analysis revealed indoxyl sulfate as significantly higher in the GDM group at both preconception and at 26 weeks gestation (VIP scores > 2.9). Preconception samples collected at the end of the GDP intervention study PC 38:0 was higher in the GDM group versus the non-GDM group (p < 0.05) whereas thymidine was lower in the GDM group (p < 0.05), in addition to numerous cell membrane lipids (VIP > 2.0). At 26 weeks gestation, D-glucuronic acid was higher in the GDM group versus the non-GDM group (p < 0.03), while LPE 22:6, SM 18:1 (22:4), PE 38:6, PE 40:6, PE 40:7, and PE (O-38:0) were lower in the GDM group (p < 0.04), in addition to numerous cell membrane lipids (VIP > 2.0).
Discussion: The differences observed between the GDM and non-GDM groups at the two plasma collection time points may suggest metabolic alterations associated with GDM-induced metabolic dysregulation. These findings may help direct future research to focus on changes in lipid metabolism during pre-pregnancy for possible biomarkers of GDM. Repeat studies with diverse cohorts are needed to help identify a panel of metabolites that may serve as early biomarkers of GDM.