ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Mitochondrial gene mutations may play a role in the development of gestational diabetes mellitus. This study has assisted to confirm the relationship between the mitochondrial DNA copy number and the GDM. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 68 patients with GDM and from 79 controls. For the quantification of mtDNA content, a comparative analysis was performed by the amplification of endogenous control (nuclear DNA, 28S rRNA). The mitochondrial A3243G mutation analysis performed. RESULTS: The ratio of mtDNA/28S rRNA was 1.2053 +/- 0.8307 in GDM patients and 1.7975 +/- 1.1355 in control group (p=0.0004), respectively. Among 68 GDM patients, the mutation in tRNA nt 3243 was detected in only one subject. The A3243G mutation in tRNA- Leu gene, implicated in GDM was reported in 1 of 68 (1.47%) but not in controls. CONCLUSION: In this investigation, blood samples from GDM patients using the real-time polymerase chain reaction will be applied to confirm the relationship between the mitochondrial DNA copy number and the GDM. It is hypothesized that this method will help to predict GDM, and aid in developing early diagnostic methods and treatment modalities.