Diagnostic and prognostic significance of lncRNA THRIL in gestational diabetes mellitus and the regulation of trophoblastic function

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a common rising pregnancy complications, seriously affects maternal and infant prognosis. Objectives: This study analyzed the clinical significance of THRIL in GDM patients, as well as explored the potential mechanism by which THRIL regulated the GDM progression through miR-424. Methods: RT-qPCR detected THRIL and miR-424 levels. ROC and logistic regression analyzed diagnostic and predictive significance of THRIL. The dual luciferase assay verified the negative regulatory relationship between THRIL and miR-424. The HTR-8/SVneo high-glucose (HG) injury model was established, and the effects of THRIL overexpression as well as co-overexpression of THRIL and miR-424 on cell behavior were detected using CCK-8, flow cytometry, and Transwell assays. Results: THRIL was decreased in serum of GDM patients (P < 0.001), while miR-424 was elevated (P < 0.001), and the two were negatively regulated by each other (r = -0.70, P < 0.01). Serum THRIL had a strong ability to recognize GDM (AUC = 0.92, P < 0.01) and predicted the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes (OR = 12.860, P < 0.001). In the HTR-8/SVneo HG induction model, THRIL overexpression significantly promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and inhibited apoptosis (P < 0.01). While THRIL and miR-424 co-overexpression effectively eliminated the positive effect of THRIL overexpression on cell behavior (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The down-regulated THRIL inhibits the behavior of trophoblast cells through miR-424, thereby affecting pregnancy outcomes in GDM patients. Serum THRIL is a promising marker for the diagnosis and prediction of GDM.