Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Gene Expression in Patients with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Ibikunle Akinlua
Department of Biochemistry, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria.
Ayobami Sunday Arulogun
Department of Biochemistry, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria.
Modupe Fisayo Asaolu
Department of Biochemistry, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria.
Ayobola Abimbola Sonuga *
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Lead City University, Toll gate, Ibadan, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Gestational Diabetic Mellitus (GDM) increases maternal and infant morbidity worldwide. The pathogenesis is unknown and believed to result from interactions between genetic and environmental factors.
Objective: This study aim to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the expression of selected genes in GDM; insulin release and insulin receptor substrate 1(IRS1), transcription factor 7- like 2 (TCF/L2), Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4 Alpha (HNF4A) and Adiponectin, C1Q and Collagen Domain (ADIPOQ) genes.
Methods: This is an interventional study, involving 180 participants aged 18 to 40 years. They were grouped into 3: Group A (60 Glucose tolerant women), Group B (60 GDM women not to be given Vitamin D3), Group C (60 GDM women given vitamin D3) . Group C were given oral Vitamin D3 of 1000 IU daily from 24th week for 8 weeks. Blood samples were taken at 32nd week and analytes quantified by standard laboratory methods.
Results: The result of the study shows that HNF4A and IRS1 and TCF/L2 genes were highly expressed while ADIPOQ gene was poorly expressed (P<0.05) in GDM patients when compared with control. However, vitamin D supplementation down regulated significantly the expression of HNF4A, IRS-1 and TCF/L2 genes while it up regulated significantly the expression of ADIPOQ gene in these patients.
Conclusions: Vitamin D3 supplementation could play significant role in the management and prevention of GDM by influencing specific genes associated with GDM.
Keywords: Gestation diabetes mellitus, genes, vitamin D, pregnant women