Metabolomics of the diabetic nephropathy: behind the fingerprint of development and progression indicators

Current diagnostic methods are not very sensitive to detect the initial stages diabetic nephropathy of type 2. In this work, a review of metabolomic approximation studies for the identification of biomarkers of this disease with potential to differentiate between early stages, evaluate and direct treatment and help slow kidney damage. Using public (Pubmed and Google Scholar) and private (Scopus and Web of Knowledge) databases, a systematic search of the information published related to metabolomics of diabetic nephropathy in different biospecimens (urine, serum, plasma and blood) was made. Later, the MetaboAnalyst 4.0 software was used to identify the metabolic pathways associated with these metabolites. Groups of potential metabolites were identified for monitoring diabetic nephropathy with the available literature data. In the urine, oxide-3-hydroxyisovalerate, TMAO, aconite and citrate and hydroxypropionate derivatives are highlighted; meanwhile, in the serum: citrate, creatinine, arginine and its derivatives; and in the plasma: amino acids such as histidine, methionine and arginine has a potential contribution. Using MetaboAnalyst 4.0 the metabolic pathways related to these metabolites were related. The search for biomarkers to measure the progression of diabetic nephropathy, together with analytical strategies for their detection and quantification, are the starting point for designing new methods of clinical chemistry analysis. The association between the metabolic pathway dysfunction could be useful for the overall assessment of the treatment and clinical follow-up of this disease.

Vitamin D deficiency in Mexican mothers and their newborns

Objective

The purpose of this study is to establish the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and their newborns and analyze the risk factors related to this deficiency.

Methods

This is an observational, transversal, and prospective study. It included 191 puerperal women and their full-term newborns. Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D values were analyzes by enzyme immunoassay.

Results

61% of the puerperal presented deficiency and 26% insufficiency of vitamin D. In the newborn group 98% showed deficiency and 66% of them presented severe deficiency. There is a positive correlation between the values of vitamin D in mothers and their newborns (r² = 0.173 ng/ml; p = 0.017). The lowest levels were in autumn. (15.75 ng/mL mothers, 6 ng/mL newborns). There was no correlation between vitamin D levels in mothers and their dietary intake, maternal skin type, sun time exposure and prenatal body mass index.

Conclusions

This is the first study that shows the existence of a high deficiency of vitamin D in Mexican mothers and their newborns.