Urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein change in gestational diabetes mellitus

Using metabolomics and proteomics to identify the potential urine biomarkers for prediction and diagnosis of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common metabolic complications during pregnancy, threatening both maternal and fetal health. Prediction and diagnosis of GDM is not unified. Finding effective biomarkers for GDM is particularly important for achieving early prediction, accurate diagnosis and timely intervention. Urine, due to its accessibility in large quantities, noninvasive collection and easy preparation, has become a good sample for biomarker identification. In recent years, a number of studies using metabolomics and proteomics approaches have identified differential expressed urine metabolites and proteins in GDM patients. In this review, we summarized these potential urine biomarkers for GDM prediction and diagnosis and elucidated their role in development of GDM.