Characterization of Plasma Extracellular Vesicles in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Advances in Biomarkers and Perspectives for Maternal-Fetal Care

• Grant number: 25/06421-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Morphology
• Principal Investigator: Juliana Ferreira Floriano
• Grantee: Sophia Oliveira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/12304-6 - Study and Bioengineering of natural rubber latex-derived extracellular vesicles: a novel targeted molecule delivery system with high potential for Regenerative Medicine, AP.JP

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic condition characterized by hyperglycemia of onset or diagnosis during pregnancy, adversely affecting maternal and fetal health. The global prevalence of GDM has increased due to obesity, advanced maternal age, and genetic factors. Early diagnosis is essential, but it often occurs late, compromising prognosis. In this scenario, extracellular vesicles (EVs) emerge as promising biomarkers, offering diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential. EVs are lipid structures released by various cells, containing proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Among them, exosomes stand out, especially during pregnancy, participating in feto-maternal communication and the regulation of processes such as angiogenesis and metabolism. Thus, the main objective of this project is to analyze the expression profile of EVs in pregnant women with and without GDM, as well as their morphological and structural characterization, through Nano tracking analyses (NTA), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), CrioTEM, Elisa and microBCA. The use of EVs represents an innovative approach that can make the management of GDM safer and more efficient, with a potential impact on maternal and child health and in breaking the transgenerational cycle of the disease. The results of this project are expected to contribute to the identification of EVs with diagnostic and therapeutic potential in GDM, promoting advances in early detection and in the development of innovative strategies to improve maternal and fetal health.