Vitamin D supplementation and its effect on the expression of genes associated with inflammation and its pathophysiological outcomes in Gestational Diabetic women: a case-control study in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has become a global issue affecting a significant population of pregnant women worldwide with high maternal and infant mortality. It is characterized by glucose intolerance during pregnancy which could be linked to inflammation. This study was designed to investigate the modulating effects of vitamin D supplementation on the expression of inflammatory marker genes namely: IL-8, 1L-10 and IL-1β and β –Actin in gestational diabetic women in Ekiti state, Nigeria. Method: A total of 150 participants aged 18-40 was recruited from Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State. They were grouped into 3; (50 glucose tolerant, 50 GDM women and 50 GDM women on vitamin D supplementation. They were given vitamin D supplementation, 1000 IU/day after 24 ^th week for 8 weeks. Blood samples were taken from each participant and processed to obtain the plasma; gene expression of inflammatory marker genes were performed on the plasma using standard methods. Results: The result shows a significant increase (p<0.05) in the expression of IL-8, 1L-10 and IL-1β genes in GDM women when compared with the control. However, after vitamin D supplementation, significant decrease in the expression of these genes was observed in these patients (GDM women on supplementation) compared with GDM women not on supplementation. Conclusion: This significant decrease shows that vitamin D could modulate inflammatory processes in these patients and help in the prevention and management of gestational diabetes mellitus and its complications. Trial Registration : Not applicable Ethical Approval : EKSUTH/A65/2024/03/010