Gestational diabetes mellitus decreased umbilical cord blood polyunsaturated fatty acids: a meta-analysis of observational studies

Background: Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) is important for the development of the fetal brain, and the retina. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may influence maternal and fetal fatty acid metabolism, in turn affecting fetal growth and development. In several studies, maternal and fetal PUFA metabolic differences have been reported between mothers with and without GDM, but not in other studies. Thus, the aim of this metaanalysis (registration number: CRD42020220448) was to compare levels of linoleic acid (LA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), arachidonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and total n-3 and n-6 PUFA between mothers with and without GMD and their fetuses. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of observational studies on maternal and fetal fatty acid metabolism, published until May 2021. In addition, we performed subgroup analysis depending on the analyzed tissues (plasma/serum, erythrocyte membrane, or placenta) and the expression modes of fatty acids (concentration or percentage). Results: We included 24 observational studies involving 4335 maternal datasets and 12 studies involving 1675 fetal datasets in the meta-analysis. Levels of AA, DHA, and n-6 and n-3 PUFA were lower in the cord blood of mothers with GDM than in controls (P < 0.05). Compared to that in controls, in erythrocyte membranes, the percentages of AA, DHA, and n-6 and n-3 PUFA in total fatty acid were lower in mothers with GDM (P < 0.05), but in plasma/serum, the percentages of AA, DHA, and n-6 PUFA in total fatty acid were higher in mothers with GDM (P < 0.05). Conclusions: GDM appears to influence the transfer of PUFAs from mothers to fetuses. The percentage of PUFAs in maternal plasma/serum was higher, and that in erythrocyte membranes was lower in mothers with GDM compared to those with normal glucose tolerance.

Automated summary

This study found differences in the transfer of fatty acids from mothers to fetuses between those with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and those without, with higher percentages of fatty acids in maternal plasma/serum and lower percentages in erythrocyte membranes in mothers with GDM.