The DNA Methylation of ARHGEF11 in Macrosomia

Peking University First Hospital239 enrolled

Overview

Background Macrosomia at birth is associated with subsequent susceptibility to obesity, abnormal glucose metabolism, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Epigenetic reprogramming has been reported to be involved in the development of human diseases caused by suboptimal environmental or nutritional factors. Objective The study was aiming to explore epigenetic mechanism influences on macrosomic infants exposed to intrauterine hyperglycemia. Design The investigators performed a genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation in cord blood from macrosomic infants born to women with gestational diabetes or infants with normal birth weight born to normal glucose-tolerant women in order to identify genes related to foetal growth or early adipose tissue development. The candidate genes were then validated using SEQUENOM MassARRAY after bisulfite conversion.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

239

Conditions

Gestational Diabetes Diabetes Macrosomia, Fetal

Interventions

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

GDM was identified

According to the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was diagnosed when at least one cut point was reached in 2-hour 75-g OGTT test: a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥ 5.1 mmol/L (92 mg/dL), a 1-hour ≥ 10.0 mmol/L (180 mg/dL) or a 2-hour ≥ 8.5 mmol/L (153 mg/dL). Participants were divided into two groups based on OGTT: Group normal glucose tolerant (NGT, n=132) and Group GDM (n=107).

Time frame: 24-28 weeks

Foetal macrosomia was identified

After delivery, participants were further divided into four subgroups based on neonatal birth weight: normal birth weight (NBW) was defined as 2500g ≤ birth weight \< 4000g, macrosomia (Mac) was defined as birth weight ≥ 4000g. Group NGT-NBW (n=83): normal glucose tolerant women with normal neonatal birth weight; Group NGT-Mac (n=49): normal glucose tolerant women with macrosomia; Group GDM-NBW (n=82): GDM women with normal neonatal birth weight; Group GDM-Mac (n=25): GDM women with macrosomia.

Time frame: 40 weeks

DNA methylation level in macrosomia

Investigators performed a genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation in cord blood from macrosomic infants born to women with gestational diabetes or infants with normal birth weight born to normal glucose-tolerant women in order to identify genes related to foetal growth or early adipose tissue development. The candidate genes were then validated using SEQUENOM MassARRAY after bisulfite conversion.