Association between the rs17782313 polymorphism near the MC4R gene, dietary intake, and Pica in pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes melittus

Abstract

Objective

To investigate the association between rs17782313 polymorphism near the MC4R gene, dietary intake, and Pica in pregnant women with pre-existing DM.

To investigate the association between rs17782313 polymorphism near the MC4R gene, dietary intake, and Pica in pregnant women with pre-existing DM.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 102 pregnant women genotyped for the rs17782313 (T/C) polymorphism by real-time PCR. Initial and final food consumption was assessed using a 24-hour food recall at the start of antenatal care and the last antenatal nutrition consultation. Pica and Pica? (the practice of Pica + desire to practice the eating disorder) were assessed during consultations using a standardized interview for pregnant women. Comparisons between genotype groups (TT × CT + CC) were made using parametric tests (Student's t-test) and non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U-test), depending on the normality of the sample. Multivariate logistic regression models were tested for the outcome variable Pica? using the SPSS program version 25, considering P < 0.05 as statistical significance. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Maternity School of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) (CAAE: 46913115.0.0000.5275).

A cross-sectional study of 102 pregnant women genotyped for the rs17782313 (T/C) polymorphism by real-time PCR. Initial and final food consumption was assessed using a 24-hour food recall at the start of antenatal care and the last antenatal nutrition consultation. Pica and Pica? (the practice of Pica + desire to practice the eating disorder) were assessed during consultations using a standardized interview for pregnant women. Comparisons between genotype groups (TT × CT + CC) were made using parametric tests (Student's t-test) and non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U-test), depending on the normality of the sample. Multivariate logistic regression models were tested for the outcome variable Pica? using the SPSS program version 25, considering P < 0.05 as statistical significance. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Maternity School of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) (CAAE: 46913115.0.0000.5275).

Results

Pregnant women carrying the C allele had a lower protein intake at the beginning of pregnancy (P = 0.005). At the end of pregnancy, there was no significant difference in total calorie and macronutrient intake between genotypes, and both groups had adequate protein intakes according to recommendations for pregnant women with diabetes (P > 0.05). The frequency of Pica and the desire to practice of Pica (Pica?) were considered clinically relevant in the sample (20.6%). An association was observed between lower maternal age, reduced hemoglobin concentration in the first trimester and Pica? during pregnancy, considering them as predictors of diagnosis (CI = 0.169–0.723; OR = 0.350) and (CI = 0.759–0.990; OR = 0.867), respectively.

Pregnant women carrying the C allele had a lower protein intake at the beginning of pregnancy (P = 0.005). At the end of pregnancy, there was no significant difference in total calorie and macronutrient intake between genotypes, and both groups had adequate protein intakes according to recommendations for pregnant women with diabetes (P > 0.05). The frequency of Pica and the desire to practice of Pica (Pica?) were considered clinically relevant in the sample (20.6%). An association was observed between lower maternal age, reduced hemoglobin concentration in the first trimester and Pica? during pregnancy, considering them as predictors of diagnosis (CI = 0.169–0.723; OR = 0.350) and (CI = 0.759–0.990; OR = 0.867), respectively.

Conclusions

The findings suggest a possible association between the rs17782313 polymorphism near the MC4R gene and protein intake, in addition to its lack of association with the practice of Pica in pregnant women with pre-existing DM. The study highlights the importance of considering the influence of prenatal nutritional care and specific guidelines for adequate macronutrient intake in pregnant women, regardless of genotype. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the association of the rs17782313 polymorphism near the MC4R gene with dietary intake and Pica in pregnant women with pre-existing DM.

The findings suggest a possible association between the rs17782313 polymorphism near the MC4R gene and protein intake, in addition to its lack of association with the practice of Pica in pregnant women with pre-existing DM. The study highlights the importance of considering the influence of prenatal nutritional care and specific guidelines for adequate macronutrient intake in pregnant women, regardless of genotype. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the association of the rs17782313 polymorphism near the MC4R gene with dietary intake and Pica in pregnant women with pre-existing DM.