Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) refers to different degrees of glucose tolerance abnormalities that occur during pregnancy or are discovered for the first time, which can have a serious impact on the mother and the offspring. The screening of GDM mainly relies on the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24–28 weeks of gestation. The early diagnosis and intervention of GDM can greatly improve adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, molecular markers for early prediction and diagnosis of GDM are currently lacking. Therefore, looking for GDM-specific early diagnostic markers has important clinical significance for the prevention and treatment of GDM and the management of subsequent maternal health. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a new type of non-coding RNA. Recent studies have found that circRNAs were involved in the occurrence and development of malignant tumors, metabolic diseases, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, etc., and could be used as the molecular marker for early diagnosis. Our previous research showed that circRNAs are differentially expressed in serum of GDM pregnant women in the second and third trimester, placental tissues during cesarean delivery, and cord blood. However, the mechanism of circular RNA in GDM still remains unclear. This article focuses on related circRNAs involved in insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction, speculating on the possible role of circRNAs in the pathophysiology of GDM under the current research context, and has the potential to serve as early molecular markers for the diagnosis of GDM.
Highlights
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as varying degrees of glucose intolerance identified for the first time during pregnancy (American Diabetes Association, 2019)
We summarize recent research advances that have further elucidated the roles of Circular RNA (circRNA) in the development and progression of GDM
Numerous studies have indicated that circRNAs are key molecules in metabolic homeostasis, regulate multiple genes related to glucose and lipid metabolism, and mediate the development and progression of metabolic disease
Summary
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as varying degrees of glucose intolerance identified for the first time during pregnancy (American Diabetes Association, 2019). The current diagnosis of GDM is based on the criteria defined by the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups. The oral glucose tolerance test has some limitations, including repeated blood sampling, poor compliance of subjects and late diagnosis, because it is impossible to screen high-risk groups of GDM in the first trimester, those women with gestational diabetes have abnormal glucose metabolism before OGTT screening (Yefet et al, 2020). Noncoding RNAs such as miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs have been reported to serve as potential molecular markers for metabolic diseases, including GDM.
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