Shamsad A, Gautam T, Singh R, Banerjee M. Genetic and epigenetic alterations associated with gestational diabetes mellitus and adverse neonatal outcomes. World J Clin Pediatr 2025; 14(1): 99231 [DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v14.i1.99231]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Monisha Banerjee, PhD, Professor, Molecular and Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, University Road, Lucknow 226007, Uttar Pradesh, India. monishabanerjee30@gmail.com
Research Domain of This Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Article-Type of This Article
Review
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Amreen Shamsad, Tanu Gautam, Monisha Banerjee, Molecular and Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, Uttar Pradesh, India
Renu Singh, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India
Co-first authors: Amreen Shamsad and Tanu Gautam.
Author contributions: Shamsad A contributed to writing- original draft, visualization; Shamsad A, Gautam T, Singh R, Banerjee M contributed to writing-review & editing; Shamsad A and Gautam T contributed to conceptualization; Banerjee M contributed to supervision; All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Supported by Maulana Azad National Fellowship, University Grants Commission, New Delhi, and Department of Biotechnology, New Delhi, No. AS [82-27/2019 (SA III)]; and DBT-BUILDER-University of Lucknow Interdisciplinary Life Science Programme for Advance Research and Education (Level II), No. TG (BT/INF/22/SP47623/2022).
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Monisha Banerjee, PhD, Professor, Molecular and Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, University Road, Lucknow 226007, Uttar Pradesh, India. monishabanerjee30@gmail.com
Received: July 17, 2024 Revised: October 3, 2024 Accepted: October 31, 2024 Published online: March 9, 2025 Processing time: 155 Days and 19.1 Hours
Abstract
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 as β-cell function and insulin secretary genes (transcription factor 7 like 2, potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily q member 1, adiponectin 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 metabolic pathways. Interactions between genes and environment, resulting in differential 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 modifications 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 understand the pathophysiology of GDM and its effects on adverse neonatal outcomes. In addition, the study of genetic and epigenetic alterations will provide lead to researchers in the search for predictive molecular biomarkers.
Core Tip: Higher morbidity and mortality rates were reported in neonates born to diabetic mothers. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is linked to both genetic and epigenetic alterations. Therefore, it would be beneficial to implement a strategy to find molecular biomarkers in GDM, such as genetic and epigenetic variations in genes associated with β-cell function and insulin signaling pathways. Implementing this strategy would result in GDM risk prediction, and improved maternal and newborn pregnancy outcomes while contributing to their future well-being.
