Abstract:
Background: Vitamin B12, homocysteine and glutathione peroxidase are the key components of one carbon metabolism, essential for healthy pregnancy. Inconsistency exists as to whether imbalance of these components can contribute to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The current study intended to determine the levels of vitamin B12, homocysteine and glutathione peroxidase in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Physiology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2020. The study involved 90 pregnant women, who were divided into two groups: pregnant women with GDM (n=45) and pregnant women without GDM (n=45). Serum glutathione peroxidase (GPX), homocysteine (Hcy), vitamin B12 (Vit B12), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were measured in both groups at 28-32 weeks of gestation using ELISA and glucose oxidase method, respectively. Data analysis was done by using SPSS version 23. p<0.05 was set statistically significant. Results: We recorded statistically significant differences between the two groups (GDM vs healthy group) regarding Vit B12 (149.00 pg/mL vs 357.00 pg/mL), Hcy (16.95 µmol/L vs 10.05 µmol/L) and GPX levels (3.15 U/ml vs 5.09 U/ml). Conclusions: Vitamin B12 insufficiency is associated with elevated homocysteine and lower glutathione peroxidase levels in GDM. This is the first study that reports the interaction of one carbon metabolism and antioxidants in GDM in a local population from Pakistan.
Keywords:
Glutathione peroxidase
,
Vitamin B12
,
Homocysteine
,
estational Diabetes Mellitus
,
One Carbon Metabolism