Roles of long non‐coding RNAs in gestational diabetes mellitus: Mechanisms and biomarker potential

Background Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression and emerging evidence implicates their dysregulation in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a common metabolic disorder threatening maternal and foetal health. This review explores how lncRNAs are involved in GDM. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed in the PubMed database using combinations of keywords “lncRNA”, “long non‐coding RNA”, “gestational diabetes mellitus”, and “GDM”. Relevant English original articles were screened, and non‐relevant studies were excluded. Results In GDM, several lncRNAs including MALAT1, MEG8, and SOX2OT are upregulated, while HCG27, GAS5, and PAX‐AS1 are downregulated. These dysregulated lncRNAs play mechanistic roles in regulating trophoblast proliferation, insulin signaling, neonatal and offspring health, and other GDM‐related complications. Such alterations were associated with dysregulation of IGF‐1, PI3K/Akt, MAPK, miRNAs, and other signaling pathways. Conclusion LncRNAs regulate key pathways involved in insulin resistance, placental dysfunction, and inflammation in GDM. Dysregulated lncRNAs are promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Future multi‐center and mechanistic studies are needed to enable precision medicine for GDM.