Fetal Epicardial Fat Thickness: Can It Serve as a Sonographic Screening Marker for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus?

Differential association of abdominal, liver, and epicardial adiposity with anthropometry, diabetes, and cardiac remodeling in Asians

Background

Heterogenous deposition and homeostasis roles of physiologic and ectopic adipose tissues underscore the impact of fat compartmentalization on cardiometabolic risk. We aimed to characterize the distribution of abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), and liver fat on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and evaluate their associations with anthropometric indices and adverse cardiac remodeling.

Methods

In this cross-sectional observational study, 149 Asian adults (57.0 ± 12.8 years; 65% males) with at least one cardiometabolic risk factor underwent multiparametric fat and cardiovascular MRI. Anthropometric indices included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and bioimpedance body fat mass (BFM). Associations between fat depots and anthropometric measures as well as cardiac remodeling features were examined as a single cohort and stratified by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) status.

Results

VAT and SAT had opposing associations with liver fat and EAT. Therefore the VAT/SAT ratio was explored as an integrated marker of visceral adiposity. VAT/SAT was positively associated with EAT (β=0.35, P<0.001) and liver fat (β=0.32, P=0.003) independent of confounders. Of the anthropometric measurements assessed, only WHR was independently associated with VAT/SAT (β=0.17, P=0.021). Individuals with T2DM had higher VAT and lower SAT compared to those without T2DM, translating to a significantly higher VAT/SAT ratio. EAT volume was independently associated with adverse features of cardiac remodeling: increased left ventricular (LV) mass (β=0.24, P=0.005), larger myocyte volume (β=0.26, P=0.001), increased myocardial fibrosis (β=0.19, P=0.023), higher concentricity (β=0.18, P=0.035), and elevated wall stress (β=-0.18, P=0.023).

Conclusion

Multiparametric MRI revealed abdominal VAT and SAT have differential associations with anthropometric indices and ectopic fats in a single cohort of Asians at risk of cardiometabolic disease. People with T2DM have expanded VAT and diminished SAT, endorsing the VAT/SAT ratio beyond usual anthropometric measurements as a marker for multiorgan visceral fat composition. Among the fat depots examined, EAT is uniquely associated with adverse cardiac remodeling, suggesting its distinctive cardiometabolic properties and implications.

Integrated growth assessment in the first 1000 d of life: an interdisciplinary conceptual framework

OBJECTIVES

Prenatal growth affects short- and long-term morbidity, mortality and growth, yet communication between prenatal and postnatal healthcare teams is often minimal. This paper aims to develop an integrated, interdisciplinary framework for foetal/infant growth assessment, contributing to the continuity of care across the first 1000 d of life.

DESIGN

A multidisciplinary think-tank met regularly over many months to share and debate their practice and research experience related to foetal/infant growth assessment. Participants’ personal practice and knowledge were verified against and supplemented by published research.

SETTING

Online and in-person brainstorming sessions of growth assessment practices that are feasible and valuable in resource-limited, low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings.

PARTICIPANTS

A group of obstetricians, paediatricians, dietitians/nutritionists and a statistician.

RESULTS

Numerous measurements, indices and indicators were identified for growth assessment in the first 1000 d. Relationships between foetal, neonatal and infant measurements were elucidated and integrated into an interdisciplinary framework. Practices relevant to LMIC were then highlighted: antenatal Doppler screening, comprehensive and accurate birth anthropometry (including proportionality of weight, length and head circumference), placenta weighing and incorporation of length-for-age, weight-for-length and mid-upper arm circumference in routine growth monitoring. The need for appropriate, standardised clinical records and corresponding policies to guide clinical practice and facilitate interdisciplinary communication over time became apparent.

CONCLUSIONS

Clearer communication between prenatal, perinatal and postnatal health care providers, within the framework of a common understanding of growth assessment and a supportive policy environment, is a prerequisite to continuity of care and optimal health and development outcomes.

The diagnostic indicators of gestational diabetes mellitus from second trimester to birth: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is glucose intolerance first recognised during pregnancy. Both modalities and thresholds of the GDM diagnostic test, the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), have varied widely over time and among countries. Additionally, OGTT limitations include inconsistency, poor patient tolerability, and questionable diagnostic reliability. Many biological parameters have been reported to be modified by GDM and could potentially be used as diagnostic indicators. This study aimed to 1) systematically explore biomarkers reported in the literature as differentiating GDM from healthy pregnancies 2) screen those indicators assessed against OGTT to propose OGTT alternatives.

MAIN BODY

A systematic review of GDM diagnostic indicators was performed according to PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO registration CRD42020145499). Inclusion criteria were full-text, comprehensible English-language articles published January 2009-January 2021, where a biomarker (from blood, ultrasound, amniotic fluid, placenta) was compared between GDM and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) women from the second trimester onward to immediately postpartum. GDM diagnostic method had to be clearly specified, and the number of patients per study higher than 30 in total or 15 per group. Results were synthesised by biomarkers.

RESULTS

Of 13,133 studies identified in initial screening, 174 studies (135,801 participants) were included. One hundred and twenty-nine studies described blood analytes, one amniotic fluid analytes, 27 ultrasound features, 17 post-natal features. Among the biomarkers evaluated in exploratory studies, Adiponectin, AFABP, Betatrophin, CRP, Cystatin-C, Delta-Neutrophil Index, GGT, TNF-A were those demonstrating statistically and clinically significant differences in substantial cohorts of patients (> 500). Regarding biomarkers assessed versus OGTT (i.e. potential OGTT alternatives) most promising were Leptin > 48.5 ng/ml, Ficolin3/adiponectin ratio ≥ 1.06, Chemerin/FABP > 0.71, and Ultrasound Gestational Diabetes Score > 4. These all demonstrated sensitivity and specificity > 80% in adequate sample sizes (> / = 100).

CONCLUSIONS

Numerous biomarkers may differentiate GDM from normoglycaemic pregnancy. Given the limitations of the OGTT and the lack of a gold standard for GDM diagnosis, advanced phase studies are needed to triangulate the most promising biomarkers. Further studies are also recommended to assess the sensitivity and specificity of promising biomarkers not yet assessed against OGTT.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration number CRD42020145499.

Cardiac changes in infants of diabetic mothers

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a systemic chronic metabolic disorder characterized by increased insulin resistance and/or β- cell defects. It affects all ages from the foetal life, neonates, childhood to late adulthood. Gestational diabetes is a critical risk factor for congenital heart diseases (CHDs). Moreover, the risk increases with low maternal education, high body mass index at conception, undiagnosed pre-gestational diabetes, inadequate antenatal care, improper diabetes control, and maternal smoking during pregnancy. Maternal DM significantly affects the foetal heart and foetal–placental circulation in both structure and function. Cardiac defects, myocardial hypertrophy are three times more prevalent in infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs). Antenatal evaluation of the cardiac function and structures can be performed with foetal electrocardiography and echocardiography. Postnatal cardiac evaluation can be performed with natal and postnatal electrocardiography and echocardiography, detection of early atherosclerotic changes by measuring aortic intima-media thickness, and retinal vascular changes by retinal photography. Ameliorating the effects of diabetes during pregnancy on the offspring depends mainly on pregestational and gestational diabetes prevention. However, other measures to reduce the risk, such as using medications, nutritional supplements, or probiotics, still need more research. This review discusses the mechanism of foetal sequels and the risk factors that increase the prevalence of CHDs in gestational DM, the various cardiac outcomes of gestational DM on the foetus and offspring, cardiac evaluation of foetuses and IDMs, and how to alleviate the consequences of gestational DM on the offspring.

Immunoendocrine Dysregulation during Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: The Central Role of the Placenta

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a transitory metabolic condition caused by dysregulation triggered by intolerance to carbohydrates, dysfunction of beta-pancreatic and endothelial cells, and insulin resistance during pregnancy. However, this disease includes not only changes related to metabolic distress but also placental immunoendocrine adaptations, resulting in harmful effects to the mother and fetus. In this review, we focus on the placenta as an immuno-endocrine organ that can recognize and respond to the hyperglycemic environment. It synthesizes diverse chemicals that play a role in inflammation, innate defense, endocrine response, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis, all associated with different perinatal outcomes.