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Updated: Aug 27, 2025
Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published on: June 29, 2013
The Exploration of Fetal Growth Restriction Based on Metabolomics: A Systematic Review
Mengxin Yao1, Zhuoqiao Yang1, Xin Rong1
1Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China.
Insights
This review identifies key metabolic biomarkers and pathways involved in fetal growth restriction (FGR). Understanding these metabolic changes in pregnancy can improve diagnosis and treatment for FGR complications.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Metabolomics
- Neonatal Health
Background:
- Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major pregnancy complication impacting neonatal health and adult disease risk.
- The underlying causes and biological mechanisms of FGR are not fully understood.
- Metabolomics offers a powerful approach to uncover metabolic alterations in FGR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize findings from metabolomics studies on FGR.
- To identify potential metabolic biomarkers and pathways associated with FGR in human pregnancies and animal models.
- To enhance understanding of the metabolic pathogenesis of FGR.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of PubMed and Web of Science databases (January 2000 - July 2022).
- Systematic comparison of reported metabolites from 10 neonatal and 14 maternal human studies, plus 8 animal model studies.
- Pathway analysis using MetaboAnalyst 5.0 software.
Main Results:
- Several amino acids, including alanine, valine, and isoleucine, were frequently identified as biomarkers in both neonatal and maternal FGR studies.
- Key metabolic pathways implicated in FGR include arginine biosynthesis, arginine/proline metabolism, glyoxylate/dicarboxylate metabolism, and alanine/aspartate/glutamate metabolism.
- Metabolites like glutamine, phenylalanine, and proline were common across human and animal FGR models.
Conclusions:
- This review consolidates crucial metabolic biomarkers and pathways relevant to FGR.
- Findings provide insights into the metabolic underpinnings of FGR, potentially guiding future research and clinical applications.
- Further investigation into these metabolic signatures may improve FGR management and outcomes.
Abstract:
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a common complication of pregnancy and a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The adverse effects of FGR can last throughout the entire lifespan and increase the risks of various diseases in adulthood. However, the etiology and pathogenesis of FGR remain unclear. This study comprehensively reviewed metabolomics studies related with FGR in pregnancy to identify potential metabolic biomarkers and pathways. Relevant articles were searched through two online databases (PubMed and Web of Science) from January 2000 to July 2022. The reported metabolites were systematically compared. Pathway analysis was conducted through the online MetaboAnalyst 5.0 software. For humans, a total of 10 neonatal and 14 maternal studies were included in this review. Several amino acids, such as alanine, valine, and isoleucine, were high frequency metabolites in both neonatal and maternal studies. Meanwhile, several pathways were suggested to be involved in the development of FGR, such as arginine biosynthesis, arginine, and proline metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism. In addition, we also included 8 animal model studies, in which three frequently reported metabolites (glutamine, phenylalanine, and proline) were also present in human studies. In general, this study summarized several metabolites and metabolic pathways which may help us to better understand the underlying metabolic mechanisms of FGR.
