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Harvard-led Research Identifies IGFBP1 Deficiency as a Risk Factor
In a groundbreaking study led by the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, researchers have unveiled a potential key player in the development of gestational diabetes: insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGFBP1). The study, titled “Placental IGFBP1 levels during early pregnancy and the risk of insulin resistance and gestational diabetes,” was published in the prestigious journal Nature Medicine on April 16, 2024.
Gestational diabetes, a condition affecting approximately 1 in 7 pregnancies, poses significant risks to both maternal and fetal health. While previous studies have linked insulin resistance during pregnancy to the development of gestational diabetes, the underlying causes have remained elusive. This latest research sheds light on a novel factor potentially contributing to this metabolic complication.
Dr. Marie-France Hivert, lead author of the study and an associate professor of population medicine at Harvard Medical School, underscores the importance of understanding placental physiology in pregnancy-related metabolic disorders. “The placenta plays a pivotal role in modulating insulin physiology during pregnancy,” Dr. Hivert explains. “By examining the expression of various proteins in placental tissues, we aimed to uncover factors associated with gestational diabetes.”
Employing cutting-edge genomic techniques, the research team conducted genome-wide RNA sequencing on placental tissue samples from pregnant individuals. Their analysis pinpointed 14 genes, with IGFBP1 emerging as the most strongly associated with insulin resistance. Moreover, measurements of IGFBP1 protein levels in circulation revealed a significant increase during pregnancy, suggesting the placenta as a primary source of this protein.
Of particular significance is the finding that low levels of circulating IGFBP1 early in pregnancy may serve as a predictive marker for the development of gestational diabetes later in gestation. This discovery opens up the possibility of early intervention strategies aimed at mitigating the risk of gestational diabetes in at-risk individuals.
Dr. Hivert emphasizes the potential clinical implications of these findings. “Identifying IGFBP1 as a potential biomarker for gestational diabetes offers a promising avenue for precision medicine,” she notes. “Early detection of at-risk individuals could enable targeted interventions, potentially preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes.”
Looking ahead, the research team aims to delve deeper into the role of IGFBP1 in gestational glucose regulation and explore its potential as a therapeutic target. By unraveling the intricate mechanisms underlying gestational diabetes, this study paves the way for personalized approaches to prenatal care, ultimately improving outcomes for both mothers and babies.
The publication of this study marks a significant milestone in the quest to unravel the complexities of gestational diabetes and underscores the invaluable contributions of research in advancing maternal and fetal health.
Reference: “Placental IGFBP1 levels during early pregnancy and the risk of insulin resistance and gestational diabetes,” Nature Medicine (2024).
