Maresin-1 and S-Equol as Emerging Metabolic Biomarkers in Gestational Diabetes-Associated Inflammation

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The most prevalent metabolic condition during pregnancy is gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), typically diagnosed in the second or third trimester and absent prior to gestation, with a reported prevalence ranging between 1% and 14%. Although the pathogenesis of GDM is thought to involve increased insulin resistance, impaired beta-cell function and mass, and a heightened inflammatory state, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Thus, the purpose of this study was to look into any possible relationships between GDM and particular inflammatory biomarkers (Maresin-1 [MaR-1], high-sensitivity-C-reactive protein [Hs-CRP]) as well as microbiota-derived metabolites (Trimethylamine-N-oxide [TMAO], S-Equol, and Indoxyl Sulfate [IS]). Methods: A total of 44 pregnant women were enrolled in this study, comprising 22 women with GDM and 22 healthy pregnant controls. Venous blood samples were collected, and serum levels of TMAO, IS, Hs-CRP, MaR-1, and S-Equol were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Serum levels of MaR-1 and S-Equol were significantly reduced in the GDM group compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). In contrast, no statistically significant differences were observed in the levels of TMAO, IS, or Hs-CRP between the GDM and control groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The observed reductions in MaR-1 and S-Equol levels among GDM patients suggest a potential role for these anti-inflammatory mediators in the inflammatory processes associated with GDM. That is, these findings imply that the advantages of using these MaR-1 and S-Equol could be predictive for GDM.