Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Gene Expression in Patients with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

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.