Expression of miRNAs and proinflammatory cytokines in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus

• Published in: Journal of reproductive immunology Vol. 162; p. 104211
• Main Authors: Toljic, Mina, Nikolic, Nadja, Joksic, Ivana, Carkic, Jelena, Munjas, Jelena, Karadzov Orlic, Natasa, Milasin, Jelena
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier B.V 01.03.2024
• Subjects: Gestational diabetes mellitus; IL-1β; MicroRNA; miR-29a; Proinflamatory cytokine; Gestational diabetes mellitus; MicroRNA; Proinflamatory cytokine; IL-1β; miR-29a
• ISSN: 0165-0378; 1872-7603
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104211

Altered microRNAs (miRNAs11miRNA – microRNA) and cytokines expression levels are associated with several pregnancy-induced complications. We evaluated the profile of circulating miRNAs (miR-17, miR-29a and miR-181a) and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17) in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM22GDM – gestational diabetes mellitus), as well as their potential use as GDM biomarkers. The case-control study included 65 pregnant women divided into 2 groups - GDM and control. Expression levels of miRNAs in plasma samples and cytokines mRNA isolated from peripheral blood buffy coat were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR33qPCR - quantitative real-time PCR). Significant miR-29a downregulation was found in GDM compared to the control group, and was even more significant after adjustments for covariates. miR-17 and miR-181a expression levels did not differ between the examined groups. Expression levels of IL-1β were significantly higher in GDM group compared to controls, while TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17 did not show significant changes in expression between the two groups. As jugded from the ROC curve analysis, miR-29a and IL-1β had a significant capacity to discriminate between CG and GDM. Additionally, a positive correlation was established between IL-1β and TNF-α in the GDM group. GDM appeared to be associated with altered levels of miR-29a and IL-1β making them markers of this condition. •miR-29a expression is lower in gestational diabetes than in healthy pregnancies.•IL-1β is upregulated in gestational diabetes mellitus compared to normal pregnancies.•miR-29a and IL-1β represent potential biomarkers of gestational diabetes mellitus.