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Table 4 The potential functional relevance of identified metabolites associated with diabetes and pre-term delivery

From: Metabolic profiling of pre-gestational and gestational diabetes mellitus identifies novel predictors of pre-term delivery

Metabolite

Association

Potential relevance to pathophysiological aspects of diabetes and pre-term delivery

References

Glu

Increased in DM

Activates N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in β-cells, leading to acceleration of β-cell dysfunction and apoptosis induced by hyperglycemia

[36]

BCAA (valine, leucine, isoleucine)

Increased in DM

Promotes insulin resistance by modulating fatty acid oxidation, mTOR, JNK and IRS1 pathways

[39, 40]

Phosphatidylcholines

Decreased in DM

Serum antioxidants preventing lipoprotein oxidation

[41]

AA

Increased in DM

Arachidonic acid triggers insulin secretion, potentially increasing risk of insulin resistance

[42]

GCDCA

Increased in DM

Bile acids control gut bacteria overgrowth, species population, and protect the integrity of the intestinal barrier. Alterations in GCDCA can trigger diabetes

[43]

DG and TG containing C18:1 and C18:2

Increased in pre-term delivery

Serum linoleic acid is negatively correlated with visceral fat accumulation and risk of insulin resistance

[48]

TG17.2/36.4 and TG18.1/34.1

Best predictors of pre-term delivery

Remains to be investigated

 
  1. Glu, glutamate; BCAA, branched chain amino acids; mTOR, The mammalian target of rapamycin; JNK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase; IRS-1, insulin receptor substrate 1; AA, arachidonic acid; GCDCA, Glycochenodeoxycholic Acid; DG, diacylglycerols; TG, triacylglycerols