Abstract
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a common maternal liver disease; development can result in devastating consequences, including sudden fetal death and stillbirth. Currently, recognition of ICP only occurs following onset of clinical symptoms. Investigate the maternal hair metabolome for predictive biomarkers of ICP. The maternal hair metabolome (gestational age of sampling between 17 and 41 weeks) of 38 Chinese women with ICP and 46 pregnant controls was analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Of 105 metabolites detected in hair, none were significantly associated with ICP. Hair samples represent accumulative environmental exposure over time. Samples collected at the onset of ICP did not reveal any metabolic shifts, suggesting rapid development of the disease.
Highlights
Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) is a common maternal liver disease; development can result in devastating consequences, including sudden fetal death and stillbirth
Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) is a pregnancy-related liver disease characterized by intense maternal itching, usually on the hand palms and feet soles, accompanied by elevated liver enzymes, and high serum bile acid levels[1]
The current study analysed the maternal hair metabolome in search for biomarkers of ICP development that could be useful for early detection of ICP risk
Summary
Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) is a pregnancy-related liver disease characterized by intense maternal itching, usually on the hand palms and feet soles, accompanied by elevated liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase ALT and aspartate aminotransferase AST), and high serum bile acid levels[1]. The etiology of ICP remains unknown, but is hypothesized to be multifactorial, involving genetic, hormonal, and environmental components This uncertainty of pathogenesis has limited the identification of women at risk of ICP development prior to the onset of symptoms. Metabolomics is the study of low molecular weight compounds; the metabolome refers to the collection of these compounds (known as metabolites) that can be detected from a biological sample[7] The metabolome reflects both endogenous processing as well as being influenced by environmental and lifestyle exposures, offering a snapshot of phenotype. The current study analysed the maternal hair metabolome in search for biomarkers of ICP development that could be useful for early detection of ICP risk. We hypothesise that the maternal environment plays a role in the development of ICP and that early detection of women at risk of ICP development could benefit from early intervention, provided a robust screening tool was available
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