Early pregnancy metabolic factors associated with gestational diabetes mellitus in normal-weight women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a two-phase cohort study

Systematic review and meta-analysis of birth outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

It is unclear whether polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an independent risk factor for adverse birth outcomes in the offspring of affected women. Here, we investigate the association of PCOS with birth outcomes in the offspring of women with PCOS overall and by potential confounders. This systematic review and meta-analysis included 73 studies and 92,881 offspring of women with and without PCOS from inception until 13th July 2022. We report that mothers with PCOS are younger and have higher body mass index (BMI) around conception and have greater gestational weight gain. The odds of preterm birth, fetal growth restriction and low birth weight are higher and mean birthweight is lower in PCOS of which a lower mean birthweight and a higher small for gestational age are probably independent of BMI. This work informed the recommendations from the 2023 international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome, emphasizing that PCOS status should be captured at pregnancy to identify risk and improve birth outcomes in the offspring.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Screening for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in antenatal care is inadequate, largely owing to the lack of clarity around whether PCOS is an independent risk factor for pregnancy complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis include 104 studies and 106,690 pregnancies in women with and without PCOS from inception until 13th July 2022. We report that women with PCOS are younger and have higher body mass index (BMI) around conception and have greater gestational weight gain. The odds of miscarriage, gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia and cesarean section are higher in women with PCOS. The increased odds of adverse outcomes in PCOS remain significant when age and BMI are matched and when analyses are restricted to high-quality studies. This work informed the recommendations from the 2023 international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome, emphasizing that PCOS status should be captured in all women who are planning to, or have recently become pregnant to facilitate prevention of adverse outcomes and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Butyrate and iso-butyrate: a new perspective on nutrition prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Dietary imbalance, such as a lower proportion of complex carbohydrates and a higher protein diet, may contribute to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risks through their metabolisms. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the association between butyrate, iso-butyrate, and GDM, which are metabolisms of the two primary nutrients above. This study aimed to clarify the association of butyrate and iso-butyrate with GDM.

METHODS

A nested case-control study was conducted based on the Beijing Birth Cohort Study (BBCS) from 2017 to 2018. Totally, 99 singleton women were involved (GDM: n = 49, control: n = 50). All participants provided blood samples twice (in their first and second trimesters). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for butyrate and iso-butyrate detection. Unconditional logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed that butyrate in the first trimester was negatively correlated with GDM (odds ratio (OR): 0.00, 95% confidential interval (CI): 0.00-0.21, P = 0.008), and iso-butyrate in the second trimester was positively related to GDM (OR: 627.68, 95% CI: 40.51-9724.56, P < 0.001). The ratio (butyrate/iso-butyrate) was negatively associated with GDM, both in the first trimester (OR: 0.00, 95%CI: 0.00-0.05, P < 0.001) and in the second trimester (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.34-0.80, P = 0.003). The area under the curve (AUC) using the ratio in the first trimester combined with clinical risk factors achieved 0.89 (95% CI: 0.83-0.95). Iso-butyrate in the second trimester combined with clinical risk factors achieved an AUC of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.92-1.00).

CONCLUSIONS

High iso-butyrate and low butyrate levels may be associated with an increased risk of GDM. As they are produced through dietary nutrient formation by gut microbiota, further studies on the association of dietary intake and butyrate or iso-butyrate concentration in plasma may help find a novel approach to nutritional intervention for GDM.

Metformin versus metformin plus pioglitazone on gonadal and metabolic profiles in normal-weight women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a single-center, open-labeled prospective randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of metformin (MET) monotherapy and pioglitazone plus MET (PIOMET) therapy on gonadal and metabolic profiles in normal-weight women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHODS

Sixty normal-weight women with PCOS were recruited between January and September 2022 at the Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University. They were randomly assigned to the MET or PIOMET groups for 12 weeks of MET monotherapy or PIOMET therapy. Anthropometric measurements, menstrual cycle changes, gonadal profiles, and the oral glucose insulin-releasing test (OGIRT) were performed at baseline and after the 12-week treatment.

RESULTS

Thirty-six participants completed the trial. MET and PIOMET therapies improved menstrual cycles after the 4- and 12-week treatments; however, there was no statistical difference between the two groups. PIOMET therapy improved luteinizing hormone (LH), luteinizing hormone/follicle stimulating hormone (LH/FSH) ratio, and free androgen index (FAI) levels after the 4-week treatment, whereas MET monotherapy only improved total testosterone (TT) levels compared to baseline (P < 0.05). Both MET and PIOMET therapies improved TT and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels after the 12-week treatment (P < 0.05). In addition, only PIOMET therapy significantly improved sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), FAI, and androstenedione (AND) levels than the baseline (P < 0.05). PIOMET therapy improved SHBG and AMH levels more effectively than MET monotherapy (P < 0.05). Furthermore, PIOMET treatment was more effective in improving blood glucose levels at 120 and 180 min of OGIRT compared to MET monotherapy (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In normal-weight women with PCOS, PIOMET treatment may have more benefits in improving SHBG, AMH, and postprandial glucose levels than MET monotherapy, and did not affect weight. However, the study findings need to be confirmed in PCOS study populations with larger sample sizes.

Fetal sex and the development of gestational diabetes mellitus in polycystic ovarian syndrome gravidae

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is characterized by elevated androgens and is a well-known risk factor for the occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus. Androgens (particularly dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate) are crucial for the development and characteristics of the male reproductive tract during fetal life, and fetal dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate enters the placenta where it is metabolized and functions as an estrogen substrate. Given this unique sex-specific relationship with androgens and the association of serum dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate concentration with insulin resistance, we hypothesized that metabolic comorbidities in pregnancy might differ by fetal sex in gravidae with polycystic ovarian syndrome, notably in those with infertility.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the data in a large population-based database to explore if fetal sex was significantly associated with gestational diabetes mellitus in gravidae with infertility and polycystic ovarian syndrome after controlling for confounders.

STUDY DESIGN

This study was designed to evaluate the risk for the occurrence and rates of gestational diabetes mellitus among gravidae with infertility and a history of polycystic ovarian syndrome. We used a 2-hospital, single academic institution database comprising more than 30,000 subjects enrolled from September 2011 to June 2021 to identify all gravidae with diagnoses of infertility and polycystic ovarian syndrome at the time of delivery and to compare them with gravidae who lacked these comorbidities. Data on covariates, including but not limited to maternal age, body mass index, fetal sex, race, ethnicity, presence or absence of hypertensive disease, and presence or absence of gestational diabetes were identified. Unadjusted and adjusted odds rations were calculated.

RESULTS

We found a statistically significant association between fetal female sex and the development of gestational diabetes mellitus in gravidae with polycystic ovarian syndrome (odds ratio for female vs male, 2.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-4.32; P=.03). After adjusting for potential confounders identified in our univariate analyses, there continued to be a statistically significant association between female fetuses and the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (adjusted odds ratio for female vs male, 2.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-4.41; P=.04). In contrast, there was no significant association between fetal sex and the development of gestational diabetes mellitus in our similar analysis of gravidae without infertility and polycystic ovarian syndrome (P=.99).

CONCLUSION

Although the origin of gestational diabetes mellitus is multifactorial, we found that female fetal sex is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus in gravidae with infertility and polycystic ovarian syndrome but not in their comparative controls. Further research on the molecular mechanisms driving the association between female fetuses and the development of gestational diabetes mellitus in the context of maternal polycystic ovarian syndrome is warranted.

Dynamic changes of serum taurine and the association with gestational diabetes mellitus: A nested case-control study

OBJECTIVE

There is a lack of risk factors that can effectively identify gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in early pregnancy. It is unclear whether serum taurine in the first trimester and dynamic changes have different characteristics in GDM women. Whether these features are associated with the occurrence of GDM has not yet been elucidated. The main objective of this study was to observe the dynamic changes of serum taurine during pregnancy and investigate the relationship between serum taurine levels and GDM in the first and second trimesters.

METHODS

This was a nested case-control study in 47 women with GDM and 47 age-matched normoglycemic women. We examined serum taurine at 8-12 weeks' gestation and 24-28 weeks' gestation. The serum taurine of the two groups was compared. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate how serum taurine was associated with GDM.

RESULTS

The serum taurine concentration of GDM women was significantly lower than that of normoglycemic women in the first trimester(2.29 vs 3.94 μmol/L, P<0.001). As the pregnancy progressed, serum taurine concentration in normoglycaemic women decreased significantly(3.94 vs 2.47 μmol/L, P<0.001), but not in the GDM group(2.29 vs 2.37 μmol/L, P=0.249), resulting in the disappearance of differences between the two groups(2.47 vs 2.37 μmol/L, P=0.160). After adjustment for pre-pregnancy body mass index(BMI), fasting plasma glucose(FPG), and lipid profiles in the first trimester, the serum taurine concentration in the first trimester was negatively correlated with the risk of GDM(OR=0.017, 95% CI=0.003-0.107, P<0.001). Furthermore, dynamic change of serum taurine showed a significantly positive correlation with the risk of GDM(OR=9.909, 95% CI=3.556-27.610, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Low serum taurine concentration in the first trimester was significantly associated with the development of GDM. As the pregnancy progressed, the association between serum taurine and GDM disappeared in the second trimester, which might be related to the inhibition of taurine transporter(TauT) activity by high glucose.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): Does the Challenge End at Conception?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent condition that not only has the potential to impede conception but also represents the most common endocrine dysfunction in fertile women. It is considered a heterogeneous and multifaceted disorder, with multiple reproductive and metabolic phenotypes which differently affect the early- and long-term syndrome's risks. Undoubtedly, the impact of PCOS on infertility has attracted most of the attention of healthcare providers and investigators. However, there is growing evidence that even after conception is achieved, PCOS predisposes the parturient to several adverse pregnancy outcomes including a high risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension, spontaneous abortion, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth, which increase the risks of stillbirth and neonatal death. Fetal growth abnormalities may also be more common, but the relationship is less well defined. This narrative review aims to summarize current knowledge regarding these conditions as they interplay with PCOS and concludes that although there appears to be an increase in these complications during the pregnancy of women with PCOS, there is a need for further research to clarify the possible confounding impact of obesity. Implications for clinical practice and future research are outlined.

Circulating microparticles as indicators of cardiometabolic risk in PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most prevalent endocrine disturbance of the female reproductive system, is associated with several pathologic conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance, all of which are tightly connected to its progression. These factors are associated with a type of extracellular vesicle, ie, microparticles (MPs), released by shedding due to cell activation and apoptosis. Circulating MPs (cMPs) are secreted by a variety of cells, such as platelets, endothelial, leukocytes, and erythrocytes, and contain cytoplasmic substances derived from parent cells that account for their biologic activity. Current evidence has clearly shown that increased cMPs contribute to endothelial dysfunction, diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular abnormalities as well as PCOS. It has also been reported that platelet and endothelial MPs are specifically increased in PCOS thus endangering vascular health and subsequent cardiovascular disease. Given the importance of cMPs in the pathophysiology of PCOS, we review the role of cMPs in PCOS with a special focus on cardiometabolic significance.

Polycystic ovary syndrome as an independent risk factor for gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a population-based study on 9.1 million pregnancies

STUDY QUESTION

Does polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) confer an independent risk for the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), gestational hypertension (GHTN) and preeclampsia (PEC) based on analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) database.

SUMMARY ANSWER

After controlling for all potential confounding effects, women with PCOS are at a 2-fold higher risk of developing GDM, a 50% increased risk for the development of GHTN and a 30% increased risk of developing PEC than women without PCOS.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Currently, there is evidence of an increased prevalence of maternal pregnancy complications in women with PCOS. However, there remain significant gaps in understanding how PCOS affects the development of GDM, GHTN and PEC. This is most likely due to the complex, multifactorial etiology of PCOS, its range of potential confounders for pregnancy complications and the variable methodology of studies that have been conducted. To date, the largest meta-analysis on this subject includes 11 565 women with PCOS analyzed for their risk of GDM and 5896 patients analyzed for their risk of PEC.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This is a retrospective population-based study utilizing data from the HCUP-NIS over 11 years from 2004 to 2014. A dataset of all deliveries between 2004 and 2014 inclusively was created. Within this group, all deliveries to women with PCOS were identified as part of the study group (n = 14 882), and the remaining deliveries were categorized as non-PCOS births and comprised the reference group (n = 9 081 906).

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

The HCUP-NIS is the largest inpatient sample database in the USA and is comprised of hospital inpatient stays submitted by hospitals throughout the entire country. Each year, the database provides information relating to 7 million inpatient stays, including patient characteristics, diagnosis and procedures. The data are representative of ∼20% of admissions to US hospitals across 48 states and the District of Columbia.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

At baseline, more pregnant women with PCOS were obese (22.3% vs. 3.5%, P < 0.001), had chronic hypertension (HTN) (8.4% vs. 1.8%, P < 0.001), had pregestational diabetes (4.1% vs. 0.9%, P < 0.001) and had treated thyroid disease (12.6% vs. 2.4%, P < 0.001). Women with PCOS were also more likely to have undergone IVF treatment (2.4% vs. 0.1%, P < 0.001), have multi-gestation pregnancies (5.9% vs. 1.5%, P < 0.001), and more multiple gestations (MGs) in the PCOS group were the result of IVF treatment than the non-PCOS groups (12.3% vs. 2.3%, P < 0.001). In all pregnancies, women with PCOS were more likely to develop gestational diabetes (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.19, 95% CI 2.02-2.37), pregnancy associated HTN (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.27-1.50, P < 0.001), GHTN (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.31-1.64), PEC (aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.14-1.45) and superimposed PEC (aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.04-1.59) after controlling for confounding effects (age, race, income level, insurance type, obesity, IVF use, previous cesarean section, chronic HTN, pregestational diabetes, thyroid disease, MG, smoking and recreational drug use). Odds ratios were comparable between all pregnancies and singleton pregnancies only. In women pregnant with multiple fetuses, PCOS only conferred a statistically significant increased risk of developing GDM (aOR 2.33, 95% CI 1.92-2.83, P < 0.001). However, there was a trend toward an increased risk for developing pregnancy associated HTN (aOR 1.92, 95% CI 0.99-1.42, P = 0.058).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

This is a retrospective analysis utilizing an administrative database which relies on the accuracy and consistency of the individuals coding the data. There are known limitations in how accurately hospital coding is able to capture perinatal conditions and complications, making it difficult to know with certainty that such events are accurate.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Pregnant women with PCOS are at increased risk of adverse complications in pregnancy even when they do not present with other coexisting metabolic conditions. Furthermore, it is important to also consider the risk of all other coexisting metabolic conditions frequently encountered in PCOS women, as these risks are additive and place women with PCOS at significantly increased risk for adverse complications in pregnancy.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

None.

Associations between polycystic ovary syndrome and adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes: a population study of 9.1 million births

STUDY QUESTION

Does polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) confer an independent risk for adverse delivery and neonatal outcomes, based on analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) database?

SUMMARY ANSWER

After controlling for all potential confounding effects, women with PCOS are at an increased risk of experiencing preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes (PPROM), pre-term delivery (PTD), placental abruption, caesarean section (C/S) delivery, chorioamnionitis and post-partum maternal infections.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

PCOS may be associated with an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. However, there remain significant gaps in understanding the correlation between PCOS and important delivery and neonatal complications.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This is a retrospective population-based cohort study utilising data from the HCUP-NIS over 11 years from 2004 to 2014. A cohort of all deliveries between 2004 and 2014 inclusively was created. Within this group, all deliveries to women with PCOS were identified as part of the study group (n = 14 882), and the remaining deliveries were categorised as non-PCOS births and comprised the reference group (n = 9 081 906).

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

The HCUP-NIS is the largest inpatient sample database in the USA and it is comprised of hospital inpatient stays throughout the entire country. It provides information relating to 7 million inpatient stays per year, includes ∼20% of admissions, and represents over 96% of the American population.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

After adjustment for all potential confounders, women with PCOS were more likely to experience PPROM (aOR 1.48, 95% CI 1.20-1.83), PTD (aOR 1.37 95% CI 1.24-1.53) and placental abruption (aOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.30-2.05) and were more likely to deliver by C/S (aOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.40-1.61 (all P < 0.001). Women with PCOS more often developed chorioamnionitis (aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.34-1.86, P < 0.001) and maternal infections (aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.36-1.84 (both P < 0.001)). With the exception of multiple gestations (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.01-1.62, P = 0.04), there was no difference in the number of women who gave birth to small for gestational age (SGA) infants (aOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.82-1.15, P = 0.72) between the women with PCOS and the reference group. Intrauterine foetal deaths (IUFDs) were also comparable between the two groups (aOR 1.03, 95% CI 0.68-1.59, P = 0.88). However, congenital anomalies were more likely to occur in the offspring of women with PCOS (aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.51-2.38, P < 0.001).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

This is a retrospective analysis utilising an administrative database which relies on the accuracy and consistency of the individuals coding the data. There are known limitations in how accurately hospital coding is able to capture perinatal conditions and complications, making it difficult to know with certainty that such events are accurate.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Women with PCOS are more likely to experience adverse delivery and neonatal outcomes. It is important to additionally consider the risk of all other co-existing conditions frequently encountered in PCOS women, as these risks are additive and place women with PCOS at significantly increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

No specific funding was obtained for this study. The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Obesity and the Risk of Infertility, Gestational Diabetes, and Type 2 Diabetes in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

This review describes the relationship between obesity and the most common reproductive (infertility) and metabolic (gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM] and type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]) consequences in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It also describes the vital role of lifestyle management for PCOS. PCOS is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder common in reproductive-age women. Consensus on the exact etiological mechanisms of PCOS is unreached. Overweight or obesity is present in at least 60% of the PCOS population, but the condition occurs irrespective of BMI, with excess BMI increasing both the prevalence and severity of clinical features. Use of lifestyle therapies (nutrition, physical activity, and/or behavioral) for the prevention and management of excess weight gain, infertility, GDM, and T2DM is a vital component of best-practice PCOS care. Lifestyle management is recommended for all women with PCOS as the first-line treatment with or without medications. Due to a lack of high-quality trials demonstrating the efficacy of specific lifestyle approaches, PCOS lifestyle recommendations are as those for the general population. This review summarizes current knowledge relating to obesity and its impact on fertility, GDM, and T2DM. It also summarizes the lifestyle recommendations to best manage these conditions in women with PCOS and obesity.

Management of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome During Pregnancy

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy among reproductive age women and is associated with subfertility and adverse perinatal outcomes, which may include early pregnancy loss, gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive spectrum disorder, preterm birth, fetal growth disorders, and cesarean deliveries. The phenotypic heterogeneity, different diagnostic criteria, and PCOS-related conditions that women enter pregnancy with have limited evidenced-based studies and guidelines to reduce pregnancy complications among this high-risk population. This review summarizes the available evidence on the approach and management of women with PCOS preconception, prenatal, and postpartum.

Putrescine as a Novel Biomarker of Maternal Serum in First Trimester for the Prediction of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Nested Case-Control Study

AIMS

Early identification of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) aims to reduce the risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Currently, no acknowledged biomarker has proven clinically useful for the accurate prediction of GDM. In this study, we tested whether serum putrescine level changed in the first trimester and could improve the prediction of GDM.

METHODS

This study is a nested case-control study conducted in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. We examined serum putrescine at 8-12 weeks pregnancy in 47 women with GDM and 47 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched normoglycaemic women. Anthropometric, clinical and laboratory variables were obtained during the same period. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to assess the discrimination and calibration of the prediction models.

RESULTS

Serum putrescine in the first trimester was significantly higher in women who later developed GDM. When using putrescine alone to predict the risk of GDM, the AUC of the nomogram was 0.904 (sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 83%, 95% CI=0.832-0.976, P<0.001). When combined with traditional risk factors (prepregnant BMI and fasting blood glucose), the AUC was 0.951 (sensitivity of 89.4% and specificity of 91.5%, 95% CI=0.906-0.995, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that GDM women had an elevated level of serum putrescine in the first trimester. Circulating putrescine may serve as a valuable predictive biomarker for GDM.

Sex hormone-binding globulin regulates the activity of the ERK pathway in the placentas of patients with gestational diabetes mellitus

The sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is involved in the onset and progression of insulin resistance and metabolic syndromes, with its expression downregulated in the placental tissues of patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, the underlying mechanisms for these effects remain unclear. In this study, we enrolled an equal number (30) of GDM and non-GDM puerperae who underwent cesarean section at Shengjing Hospital. After due approval by the ethics committee, the expression levels of SHBG and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway markers in the placental tissues of these individuals were measured via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot assays. The correlation analysis of these genes revealed that the expression of SHBG in placental tissues was downregulated and negatively correlated with the expression of ERK pathway markers, which were upregulated in placental tissues. Further investigations using the HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cell line revealed that the trophoblasts with small interfering RNA (siRNA)-silenced SHBG expression displayed increased mRNA and protein expression levels of ERK pathway markers, as well as reduced apoptosis and enhanced proliferation. In contrast, trophoblasts with high SHBG expression showed a downregulated expression of ERK pathway markers, increased apoptosis, reduced proliferation, and a shorter S phase. Therefore, we believe that SHBG may participate in the onset of insulin resistance and GDM by regulating the activity of the ERK pathway.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Is Associated with Reduced Dynamics of Gut Microbiota during the First Half of Pregnancy

GDM is one of the most common metabolic disorders during pregnancy and is associated with adverse short-term and long-term maternal and fetal outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the connection between dynamic variations in gut microbiota and development of GDM. Whereas shifts in gut microbiota composition and function have been previously reported to be associated with GDM, very little is known regarding the early microbial changes that occur before the diagnosis of GDM. This study demonstrated that the dynamics in gut microbiota during the first half of pregnancy differed significantly between GDM and normoglycemic women. Our findings suggested that gut microbiota may potentially serve as an early biomarker for GDM.

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have different gut microbiota in late pregnancy compared to women without GDM. It remains unclear whether alterations of gut microbiota can be identified prior to the diagnosis of GDM. This study characterized dynamic changes of gut microbiota from the first trimester (T1) to the second trimester (T2) and evaluated their relationship with later development of GDM. Compared with the control group (n = 103), the GDM group (n = 31) exhibited distinct dynamics of gut microbiota, evidenced by taxonomic, functional, and structural shifts from T1 to T2. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) revealed that there were 10 taxa in T1 and 7 in T2 that differed in relative abundance between the GDM and control groups, including a consistent decrease in the levels of Coprococcus and Streptococcus in the GDM group. While the normoglycemic women exhibited substantial variations of gut microbiota from T1 to T2, their GDM-developing counterparts exhibited clearly reduced inter-time point shifts, as corroborated by the results of Wilcoxon signed-rank test and balance tree analysis. Moreover, cooccurrence network analysis revealed that the interbacterial interactions in the GDM group were minimal compared with those in the control group. In conclusion, lower numbers of dynamic changes in gut microbiota in the first half of pregnancy are associated with the development of GDM.

IMPORTANCE GDM is one of the most common metabolic disorders during pregnancy and is associated with adverse short-term and long-term maternal and fetal outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the connection between dynamic variations in gut microbiota and development of GDM. Whereas shifts in gut microbiota composition and function have been previously reported to be associated with GDM, very little is known regarding the early microbial changes that occur before the diagnosis of GDM. This study demonstrated that the dynamics in gut microbiota during the first half of pregnancy differed significantly between GDM and normoglycemic women. Our findings suggested that gut microbiota may potentially serve as an early biomarker for GDM.

Naturally Occurring and Experimentally Induced Rhesus Macaque Models for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Translational Gateways to Clinical Application

Indian rhesus macaque nonhuman primate models for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) implicate both female hyperandrogenism and developmental molecular origins as core components of PCOS etiopathogenesis. Establishing and exploiting macaque models for translational impact into the clinic, however, has required multi-year, integrated basic-clinical science collaborations. Paradigm shifting insight has accrued from such concerted investment, leading to novel mechanistic understanding of PCOS, including hyperandrogenic fetal and peripubertal origins, epigenetic programming, altered neural function, defective oocytes and embryos, adipogenic constraint enhancing progression to insulin resistance, pancreatic decompensation and type 2 diabetes, together with placental compromise, all contributing to transgenerational transmission of traits likely to manifest in adult PCOS phenotypes. Our recent demonstration of PCOS-related traits in naturally hyperandrogenic (High T) female macaques additionally creates opportunities to employ whole genome sequencing to enable exploration of gene variants within human PCOS candidate genes contributing to PCOS-related traits in macaque models. This review will therefore consider Indian macaque model contributions to various aspects of PCOS-related pathophysiology, as well as the benefits of using macaque models with compellingly close homologies to the human genome, phenotype, development and aging.