The DNA Methylation of ARHGEF11 in Macrosomia

Epigenetic Alteration of Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor 11 (ARHGEF11) in Cord Blood Samples in Macrosomia Exposed to Intrauterine Hyperglycaemia

Background Macrosomia at birth is associated with subsequent susceptibility to obesity, abnormal glucose metabolism, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Epigenetic reprogramming has been reported to be involved in the development of human diseases caused by suboptimal environmental or nutritional factors.

Objective The study was aiming to explore epigenetic mechanism influences on macrosomic infants exposed to intrauterine hyperglycemia.

Design The investigators performed a genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation in cord blood from macrosomic infants born to women with gestational diabetes or infants with normal birth weight born to normal glucose-tolerant women in order to identify genes related to foetal growth or early adipose tissue development. The candidate genes were then validated using SEQUENOM MassARRAY after bisulfite conversion.

Inclusion Criteria:

-

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancies complicating with hypertensive disorders, pre-gestational diabetes, thyroid diseases, renal dysfunction were excluded.