Urinary Metabolites during Pregnancy: A Literature Review

TL;DR

This review explores how urinary metabolites change during pregnancy, linking them to BMI, trimesters, and environmental factors.

Contribution

The study identifies unique metabolite profiles associated with prepregnancy BMI and environmental exposures during pregnancy.

Findings

Higher prepregnancy BMI is linked to lower levels of glucogenic amino acids and long-chain acylcarnitines.

Third trimester is characterized by elevated cortisol, carboxylic acids, glycerolipids, and steroid derivatives.

Environmental exposures like diet and phthalates correlate with distinct urinary metabolite patterns.

Abstract

Urinary metabolites provide information regarding metabolic
changes
and environmental exposure throughout pregnancy. A narrative literature
review was conducted by using PubMed and Web of Science. Included
studies enrolled pregnant women aged ≥18 years and analyzed
urinary metabolites in relation to prepregnancy body mass index (BMI)
or trimester of pregnancy. Environmental and dietary exposures were
also considered. Thirteen studies met the criteria. Women with a higher
prepregnancy BMI have unique urinary metabolite profiles, including
lower levels of glucogenic amino acids and long-chain acylcarnitines,
reflecting disturbances in amino acid and lipid metabolism. The third
trimester was marked by elevated urinary cortisol, carboxylic acids,
glycerolipids, and steroid derivatives. Environmental exposures such
as diet, phthalates, metals, and parabens were linked to distinct
urinary metabolite patterns. More comprehensive analyses of urinary
metabolites during pregnancy in diverse populations are needed to
identify early metabolic risks and develop targeted prenatal interventions
to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.

Figures