ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA ON GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS IN ATHLETES: A STUDY USING 16SRDNA GENE SEQUENCING AND BIOINFORMATICS

Abstract

This study examines the role of gut microbiota (GM) in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) among athletes, utilizing 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to analyze fecal samples from 33 pregnant women (15 with GDM and 18 normal glucose tolerance [NGT]) between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. The study aimed to identify potential links between the composition of the GM and the development of GDM. Linear regression analysis was employed to assess the association between various clinical parameters of the participants and their GM profiles. Results indicated no significant difference in alpha diversity of microbiota between the GDM and NGT groups. However, beta diversity showed significant differences, with the GDM group exhibiting higher relative abundances of Ruminococcusbromii, Clostridium colinum, and Streptococcusinfantis. Further quantitative PCR confirmed the presence of putative bacterial markers R. bromii and S. infantis, which correlated positively with blood glucose levels even after adjusting for body mass index. The study highlights the abnormal expression of three intestinal bacteria (R. bromii, C. colinum, and S. infantis) in GDM patients, suggesting a potential link between S. infantis and type 2 diabetes, underscoring the therapeutic potential of targeting GM in managing diabetes.