The Relationship Between Branched-Chain Amino Acid Levels and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Low-Risk Pregnant Women

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represents one of the most prevalent medical complications in pregnancy. The prevalence of GDM in society is increasing. The aim of GDM screening is to make an early diagnosis in order to prevent complications associated with GDM. The aim of our study was to investigate the effectiveness of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) in the diagnosis of GDM by comparing the second-trimester serum BCAA concentrations between low-risk primigravid women with and without GDM.

Methods: The study included a total of 110 primigravida evenly split between the GDM group (n = 55) and the control group (n = 55). The age, pre-pregnancy and test weights, body mass index, and demographic data of the participating pregnant women were recorded. Serum concentrations of BCAA in the fasting and postprandial states of the pregnant women were measured, and serum BCAA concentrations were compared between groups.

Results: In our study, no significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of demographic data and anthropometric characteristics. Pregnant women diagnosed with GDM had significantly higher postprandial valine levels compared to the control group, with values of 168.5 ± 46.8 vs. 138.5 ± 35.9 (P = 0.001), fasting leucine levels of 82.9 ± 16.1 vs. 67.4 ± 18.7 (P < 0.001), postprandial leucine levels of 95.3 ± 34.2 vs. 57.7 ± 21.4 (P < 0.001), fasting isoleucine levels of 44.5 ± 9.7 vs. 37.7 ± 13.6 (P = 0.003), and postprandial isoleucine levels of 51.8 ± 19.2 vs. 34.6 ± 28.0 (P < 0.001). No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of fasting valine (P = 0.990).

Conclusion: According to the results of our study, fasting and postprandial BCAA levels were found to be higher in the primigravid women with GDM in the low-risk group at 24–28 weeks compared to the control group. These findings suggest that there may be an association between maternal serum BCAA levels and GDM between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation.