Profiling of the Gut Microbiota Early in Pregnancy Can Predict the Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Onset

Abstract

Research motivation: Normal healthy pregnancy is a dynamic and transient process. During gestation the body undergoes substantial hormonal, immunological, and metabolic changes favorable toward promoting a successful pregnancy. Microbiome profiling at multiple time points will allow us to better explore the underlying molecular mechanisms during pregnancy and its complications such as gestational diabetes (GDM). Methods: A 92 total subjects: 46 GDM women and 46 healthy pregnant women (HC) (18-49 years age, viable singleton, and first trimester) were enrolled in this study. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed at third trimester (TP3), as per clinical routine guidelines. Stool samples for 16S rDNA sequencing of gut microbiota and food questionnaire at 4 time points: each trimester (TP1, 2, 3) and delivery (TP4) were collected. Results: Since the beginning of the pregnancy, GDM group revealed a peculiar microbiome profile. Higher levels of the phylum Cyanobacteria in GDM group at TP2 (p= 0.0349). While SR1 showed a significant higher abundance in the HC at TP3 (p= 0.0418). For the alpha diversity, gestational diabetic samples were less diverse than the normal controls at all time points. At TP4 the difference disappeared. However, the beta diversity between the two groups at each time point did not show any significant clustering. From the LEfSe analysis, the genus Erysipelotrichaceae was significantly associated with GDM at TP1 and TP2. 6 taxa at TP3 were significantly discriminated and correlated with the GDM (e.g. Ruminococcus). At TP4 Dialister and Peptoniphilus were clinically significant in GDM. Control group also showed different food preferences that can correlate with microbiota (higher intake of oil and eggs at TP1, and soya milk, soup and eggs at TP2, p

Date of Award	2020
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Health & Life Sciences