CircRNA circVEGFC is Highly Expressed in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and It is Correlated with Multiple Adverse Events

BACKGROUND: Circular RNA vascular endothelial growth factor C (circVEGFC) is a novel regulator of glucose metabolism, while its role in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is unclear. This study aimed to detect the expression of circVEGFC in GDM and explore its clinical values. METHODS: This study enrolled 220 pregnant women (gestational age less than 5 weeks) with normal blood glucose level on the day of admission. The expression of circVEGFC in plasma samples of these participants was determined by RT-qPCR. The participants were divided into high and low circVEGFC level groups with the median expression level of plasma circVEGFC as the cutoff value. The development of GDM was monitored until delivery. Adverse events were also monitored. RESULTS: Compared to low circVEGFC level group, GDM-free curve analysis revealed significantly higher incidence of GDM in high circVEGFC level group. In addition, plasma expression levels of circVEGFC were also higher in GDM patients than that in non-GDM patients on the day of admission and at 1 month before and after delivery. ROC curve analysis revealed that high expression levels of circVEGFC on the day of admission showed higher sensitivity and specificity in the early diagnosis of GDM. Moreover, high circVEGFC level group showed higher incidence rates of fetal malformation and hypertension. CONCLUSION: Therefore, circVEGFC is highly expressed in GDM, and it is correlated with multiple adverse events.