The newborn metabolome: associations with gestational diabetes, sex, gestation, birth mode, and birth weight

CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal factors, particularly delivery mode, were associated with many cord blood metabolite differences, including those implicated in later risk of cardiometabolic disease. Associations between GDM and higher offspring ketone levels at birth are consistent with maternal ketosis in diabetic pregnancies. Further work is needed to determine whether these neonatal metabolome differences associate with later health outcomes.IMPACT: Variations in blood metabolomic profile have been linked to health status in adults and children, but corresponding data in neonates are scarce. We report evidence that pregnancy complications, mode of delivery, and offspring characteristics, including sex, are independently associated with a range of circulating metabolites at birth, including ketone bodies, amino acids, cholesterols, and inflammatory markers. Independent of birth weight, exposure to gestational diabetes is associated with higher cord blood ketone bodies and citrate. These findings suggest that pregnancy complications, mode of delivery, gestational age, and measures of growth influence metabolic pathways prior to birth, potentially impacting later health and development.PMID:34526650 | DOI:10.1038/s41390-021-01672-7

Source: Pediatric Research - September 16, 2021 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Toby Mansell Amanda Vlahos Fiona Collier Anne-Louise Ponsonby Peter Vuillermin Susan Ellul Mimi L K Tang David Burgner Richard Saffery Barwon Infant Study Investigator team Source Type: research