Investigation of Gene Expression and DNA Methylation of IGF2, PPARγ, LEP, and CDKN1C in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Maqsoodi, Mahsa; Ardalan, Abbas

doi:10.22034/ppmj.2026.735672

Investigation of Gene Expression and DNA Methylation of IGF2, PPARγ, LEP, and CDKN1C in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mahsa Maqsoodi ¹

Abbas Ardalan ²

¹ Department of Microbiology, ShK.C., Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.

² Department of biology, faculty of science, Arak university, Arak, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22034/ppmj.2026.735672

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent complication of pregnancy associated with adverse outcomes for both mother and fetus. Epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, may play a significant role in its pathogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the expression and methylation status of IGF2, PPARγ, LEP, and CDKN1C in women with GDM. In this case control study, 50 women with GDM and 50 healthy pregnant women were included. Gene expression levels and DNA methylation patterns were analyzed, and clinical risk factors were assessed. Significant differences were identified in both expression and methylation profiles of the studied genes between GDM patients and controls. Pre-pregnancy BMI, high-fat diet, and family history of diabetes were significantly associated with GDM. These results indicate that GDM is influenced by metabolic, environmental, and epigenetic factors, and that altered expression and methylation of IGF2, PPARγ, LEP, and CDKN1C may contribute to its development.

Keywords

Gestational diabetes mellitus, DNA methylation, Epigenetics, Gene expression, IGF2, PPAR&gamma

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