Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia (PE), and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) are major pregnancy complications that require an early diagnosis to prevent adverse outcomes. To improve diagnosis and treatment for these pregnancy complications, scientists have been studying the possible involvement of gut microbiome and their metabolites. In one such effort, researchers from Ningbo University evaluated the association between the three pregnancy complications and the secretion of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by the gut microbiome and their diagnostic potential.
The study compared the biological samples from patients with GDM (n = 28), PE (n = 28), and ICP (n = 29) with healthy pregnant women (n = 27). Serum analysis showed a higher level of isobutyric acid in all three pregnancy complications groups compared to the normal pregnancy group. The sensitivity and…
