IgG N-Glycan Profiles in Mothers and Infants Postpartum in the Context of Maternal Obesity and Gestational Diabetes

TL;DR

This study examines how maternal obesity and gestational diabetes affect IgG N-glycan profiles in mothers and infants after childbirth.

Contribution

The study reveals differences in IgG N-glycosylation patterns linked to maternal BMI and GDM, suggesting selective placental transfer mechanisms.

Findings

Maternal and infant IgG N-glycan SF/NF ratios differ based on maternal BMI and GDM status.

Infant IgG SF/NF ratios vary depending on the mother's BMI and GDM condition.

Observed differences suggest potential selective placental transfer of IgG N-glycans.

Abstract

This study explored IgG N-glycosylation pattern differences in maternal and infant serum in the context of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Serum samples from 15 mother–infant pairs were collected at 12 weeks postpartum and categorized according to maternal body mass index (BMI) and GDM status. The N-glycosylation patterns of the isolated IgG pools were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection (CE-LIF). Descriptive comparison of the relative area percentage of IgG N-glycan structures revealed differences between the groups. Comparison of the maternal and infant sialo-form/neutral-form ratio (SF/NF) of the N-glycans suggested differences between control mothers and their children, as well as between obese mothers and their children. The maternal SF/NF ratio of IgG varied between the obese and normal-weight GDM mothers. The SF/NF ratios of IgG from the infants showed variation between infants of control mothers and infants of obese mothers, between infants of obese and infants of obese GDM mothers, and between infants of GDM with normal-weight and GDM with obese mothers. The observed differences in maternal and infant IgG N-glycosylation profiles suggest potentially selective placental transfer mechanisms.

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