lncRNA SNHG17 is Downregulated in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and Has Predictive Values

AIM: Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) SNHG17 has been shown to participate in type 2 diabetes mellitus, while its role in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is unknown. METHODS: Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assays were conducted to compare the differential expression of SNHG17 among 60 GDM patients and 60 healthy pregnant female controls. In addition, peripheral blood samples from 240 pregnant females were collected to evaluate the predictive value of SNHG17 for GDM patients. All females were followed-up until delivery to record the occurrence of GDM and perinatal outcomes. GDM-free curves were plotted to compare the occurrence of GDM between high- and low- SNHG17 expression groups. The diagnostic value of plasma SNHG17 for GDM was analyzed by ROC curve analysis. Moreover, the cell counting kit (CCK-8) assay was performed to evaluate the impact of SNHG17 on cell viability of INS-1, and the level of insulin secretion was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after overexpression or knockdown of SNHG17. RESULTS: SNHG17 was downregulated in GDM patients compared to normal pregnant females. Low plasma expression levels of SNHG17 were closely correlated with the high incidence rate of GDM (GDM-free curve). Remarkably, plasma expression levels of SNHG17 at 4 weeks before the diagnosis of GDM (diagnosed by standard method) can be used to distinguish (ROC curve) GDM patients (diagnosed during follow-up) from normal pregnant females (GDM was not diagnosed during follow-up). CONCLUSION: Plasma circulating SNHG17 is downregulated in GDM and has predictive values.