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Birth weight concerning obesity and diabetes gene expression in healthy infants; a case-control study

Sahar Cheshmeh1, Shima Moradi2,3, Seyyed Mostafa Nachvak4

  • 1Molecular and Experimental Nutritional Medicine Department, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
|March 30, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Low birth weight infants show altered expression of key obesity and diabetes genes. Specifically, MTNR1B, NTRK2, PCSK1, and PTEN genes were upregulated, while the PPAR-a gene was downregulated in low birth weight (LBW) infants.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • Pediatrics
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Obesity and diabetes are global health concerns.
  • Identifying contributing factors is crucial for intervention.
  • Investigating gene expression in low birth weight (LBW) infants offers insight into metabolic disease risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the expression of specific obesity and diabetes-related genes in infants with low birth weight (<2500g) versus normal birth weight.
  • To identify potential genetic markers associated with birth weight and metabolic health.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 215 healthy infants (5-6 months old).
  • Blood samples were collected to assess the expression of 16 key genes.
  • Statistical analyses included Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman correlation.

Main Results:

  • Significant inverse correlations were found between birth weight and the expression of MTNR1B, NTRK2, PCSK1, and PTEN genes.
  • These genes showed significantly higher expression levels in LBW infants compared to normal birth weight infants.
  • PPAR-a gene expression positively correlated with birth weight and was significantly upregulated in normal birth weight infants.

Conclusions:

  • LBW is associated with altered expression of genes involved in obesity and diabetes.
  • MTNR1B, NTRK2, PCSK1, and PTEN gene upregulation in LBW infants may indicate increased metabolic risk.
  • PPAR-a downregulation in LBW infants suggests potential metabolic dysregulation.
Abstract

Keywords:
DiabetesGene expressionLow birth weightObesity

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