MicroRNAs in the early diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus V2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
microRNAs in the early diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.
IRAS ID
141806
Contact name
Barbara McGowan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Guys' and St. Thomas' Foundation Trust
Research summary
OBJECTIVE: To examine the serum concentration of miRNA-132, miRNA-29a and miRNA-222 in diabetic pregnant women compared with non-diabetic pregnant women and determine whether microRNAs are useful in the early diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.\n\nGestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) currently affects 3-8% women during their pregnancy, and the incidence is increasing as obesity is rising amongst women of reproductive age. GDM increases the risk of both foetal and maternal complications, such as large birth weight, premature birth and trauma to both mother and child during childbirth, as well as increasing the risk for development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life. There are also increased risks of developing preeclampsia and caesarean delivery may need to be performed due to large birth weight. Mothers who develop GDM are also at a greater risk of developing permanent diabetes later in life. \n\nCurrent diagnosis of GDM identifies mothers as they are approaching their third trimester, prompting the search for developing a different way of diagnosing GDM earlier in pregnancy to reduce the risk of adverse maternal and foetal outcomes. Early identification and management of GDM will reduce the risks of complications to both mother and baby. \n\nWe plan to investigate the presence of genetic material in the blood, termed microRNAs, which play an important role in gene expression. Several studies have looked at the potential of using microRNAs in the diagnosis of various disorders with a recent study showing that serum levels of 3 microRNAs (miR-132, miR-29a and miR-222) are found to be lower in mothers who developed GDM.\n\nDESIGN: (n=30-100) diabetic pregnant women and non-diabetic pregnant women of gestational age 24-30 weeks will be recruited. Once participants have provided consent, they will be recruited. Blood samples will be taken and blood microRNA concentration will be measured and analysed.
REC name
East of England - Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/EE/0440
Date of REC Opinion
3 Dec 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion