N-3 Fatty acids modulate antioxidant status in diabetic rats and their macrosomic offspring

Transgenerational effects of zinc, selenium and chromium supplementation on glucose homeostasis in female offspring of gestational diabetes rats

Clinical studies have demonstrated that maternal gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases the offspring's risk of developing glucose intolerance. Our previous study reported that co-supplementation with zinc, selenium, and chromium improved insulin resistance in diet-induced GDM rats. Here, Transgenerational effects of supplementation with zinc (10 mg/kg.bw), selenium (20 μg/kg.bw), and chromium (20 μg/kg.bw) in F1 female offspring of both zinc, selenium and chromium (ZnSeCr)-treated, and untreated GDM rats daily by gavage from weaning to the postpartum were investigated in the present study. Glucose homeostasis in the F1 female offspring of GDM at different stages were evaluated. Maternal GDM did increase the birth mass of newborn F1 female offspring, as well as the serum glucose and insulin levels. Zinc, selenium and chromium supplementation attenuated the GDM-induced mass gain, increased serum glucose and insulin levels in the female neonates. The high fat and sucrose (HFS) diet-fed GDM-F1 offspring developed GDM, with glucose intolerance, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance during pregnancy. Moreover, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related protein levels were increased and the activation of insulin signaling pathways were reduced in the liver of HFS-fed GDM-F1 offspring. Whereas glucose homeostasis in parallel with insulin sensitivity was normalized in the female offspring of GDM by supplementation both F0 dams and F1 offspring with zinc, selenium and chromium, not in those either F0 or F1 elements supplemented offspring. Therefore, we speculate that zinc, selenium and chromium supplementation may have a potential beneficial transgenerational effect on the glucose homeostasis in the female offspring of GDM.

Histomorphometric and oxidative evaluation of the offspring's testis from type 2 diabetic female rats treated with metformin and pentoxifylline

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) during pregnancy is characterized by high levels of reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory factors in the placenta. Once these reactive species reach the foetus, they trigger physiological adaptations that allow the foetus to survive, but programme the organism to develop metabolic disorders in adulthood. The male reproductive system is highly susceptible to foetal programming. This study aimed to investigate the effects of intrauterine exposure to T2D on testicular histomorphometry and redox homeostasis of adult rats and evaluate the effects of maternal treatment with metformin and pentoxifylline. Female rats were induced to T2D, then treated with metformin and pentoxifylline, or co-treated with both drugs. The females were mated, the male offspring were sacrificed on postnatal day 90, and the testicles were collected for analysis. Metformin protected the tubular compartment, with the maintenance of the Sertoli cell population and daily sperm production. Pentoxifylline attenuated the effects of diabetes on Leydig cells, in addition to stimulating testosterone production and lowering lipid peroxidation. Intrauterine exposure to T2D results in important testicular alterations that compromise gonadal function, and the co-treatment with metformin and pentoxifylline may represent a promising therapy that attenuates these effects by combining the positive influences in both the tubular and interstitial compartments of the testicular parenchyma.

Predictive Value of Immune Cells in the Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Study

Aims

Immunological and biochemical parameters are gaining more and more importance in the prognosis of diabetes and its complications. Here, we assessed the predictive power of immune cells correlated with biochemical parameters in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Materials and Methods

Immune cells and serum biochemical parameters were determined in women with GDM and pregnant controls. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses were conducted to assess the optimal cutoff and value of ratios of immune cells to biochemical parameters for predicting GDM.

Results

Blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly increased whereas HDL-cholesterol decreased in women with GDM compared to pregnant controls. Glycated hemoglobin, creatinine, transaminase activities did not significantly differ between both groups. Total leukocyte, lymphocyte and platelet numbers were significantly high in women with GDM. Correlation tests showed that ratios of lymphocyte/HDL-C, monocyte/HDL-C and granulocyte/HDL-C were significantly higher in women with GDM than in pregnant controls (p = 0.001; p = 0.009 and p = 0.004 respectively). Women with a lymphocyte/HDL-C ratio greater than 3.66 had a 4-fold increased risk of developing GDM than those with lower ratios (odds ratio 4.00; 95% CI: 1.094 – 14.630; p=0.041).

Conclusion

Our study showed that ratios of lymphocyte, monocyte and granulocyte to HDL-C might represent valuable biomarkers for GDM and in particular, lymphocyte/HDL-C ratio exhibited a strong predictive power for GDM risk.

The association between maternal fat-soluble vitamin concentrations during pregnancy and infant birth weight in China

Fat-soluble vitamins during pregnancy are important for fetal growth and development. The present study aimed at exploring the association between vitamin A, E and D status during pregnancy and birth weight. A total of 19 640 women with singleton deliveries from a retrospective study were included. Data were collected by the hospital electronic information system. Maternal serum vitamin A, E and D concentrations were measured during pregnancy. Logistic regression was performed to estimate the association between the vitamin status and low birth weight (LBW) or macrosomia. Women with excessive vitamin E were more likely to have macrosomia (OR 1·30, 95 % CI 1·07, 1·59) compared with adequate concentration. When focusing on Z scores, there was a positive association between vitamin E and macrosomia in the first (OR 1·07, 95 % CI 1·00, 1·14), second (OR 1·27, 95 % CI 1·11, 1·46) and third (OR 1·28, 95 % CI 1·06, 1·54) trimesters; vitamin A was positively associated with LBW in the first (OR 1·14, 95 % CI 1·01, 1·29), second (OR 1·31, 95 % CI 1·05, 1·63) and third (OR 2·00, 95 % CI 1·45, 2·74) trimesters and negatively associated with macrosomia in the second (OR 0·79, 95 % CI 0·70, 0·89) and third (OR 0·77, 95 % CI 0·62, 0·95) trimesters. The study identified that high concentrations of vitamin E are associated with macrosomia. Maintaining a moderate concentration of vitamin A during pregnancy might be beneficial to achieve optimal birth weight. Further studies to explore the mechanism of above associations are warranted.

Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation and oxidative stress parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

Omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FAs) supplementation effects on oxidants and antioxidants are always controversial. Oxidative stress (OS) is one of the major mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the finding of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) examining the effects of omega-3 FAs on OS markers. Five databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of science, and Cochrane were searched up to May 5th, 2019 with no language restriction. RCTs included if they compared OS indices among subjects who received omega-3 FAs supplements and subjects who supplemented with placebo. To estimate the effects of omega-3 FAs supplementation, standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were pooled using random effects model. Of 5,887 publications, 39 trials involving 2,875 participants were included for the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis of data indicated that omega-3 FAs significantly increased serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (SMD: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.72, P< 0.001; I²= 60%), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (SMD: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.30, 1.16, P= 0.001; I²= 83%) activity and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) (SMD= -0.42, 95% CI: -0.62, -0.21; P < 0.001; I²= 74%) compared to the placebo group. However, the effects of omega-3 FAs on nitric oxide (NO) (SMD: -0.17 , 95% CI: -0.77, 0.43, P = 0.57; I²= 91%), reduced glutathione (GSH) (SMD= 0.23, 95% CI= -0.17, 0.64, P= 0.25; I²= 75%), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (0.12 , 95% CI: -0.40, 0.65, P= 0.64; I²= 89%) and catalase (CAT) (0.16, 95% CI: -0.33, 0.65, P= 0.52; I²= 75%,) activities was not significant. Supplementation with omega-3 FAs significantly improves MDA, TAC levels, and GPx activity. Thus, omega-3 FAs can be mentioned as enhancer factors in antioxidant defense against reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Nutritional Supplementation for the Prevention and/or Treatment of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication that has short- and long-term health implications for both the mother and child. While lifestyle modifications, insulin therapy, and oral agents such as metformin are effective, they can be difficult to adhere to, and there remain concerns over long-term effects of oral agents on the infant. Further, GDM has no proven preventive strategies, which could be more effective than treatment postdiagnosis. Nutritional supplements are an appealing, potentially safer, and better tolerated alternative to pharmaceuticals to treat and/or prevent GDM. Here, we review the existing evidence for nutritional supplementation for treatment and prevention of GDM.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is limited evidence that myo-inositol, vitamins D and B6, magnesium, selenium, zinc, fatty acids, and probiotics might be beneficial for the prevention or treatment of GDM. There are very few studies for each nutrient, and the existing studies tend to have few participants. Where multiple studies of a nutrient exist, often those studies were conducted within the same country, limiting the generalizability of the findings, or alternatively there was no consensus across findings. There is limited evidence that nutritional supplementation of myo-inositol, vitamins D and B6, magnesium, selenium, zinc, fatty acids, and probiotics could improve glycemic control or prevent GDM. Our understanding is constrained by the small number of studies, small sample sizes in most studies, and by lack of consistency across findings. Further large, high-quality, randomized controlled trials are required to determine the efficacy of nutritional supplements to treat or prevent GDM.

N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Decrease Long-Term Diabetic Risk of Offspring of Gestational Diabetes Rats by Postponing Shortening of Hepatic Telomeres and Modulating Liver Metabolism

The long-term influence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on offspring and the effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) on GDM offspring are poorly understood. We studied the long-term diabetic risk in GDM offspring and evaluated the effect of n-3 PUFA intervention. Healthy offspring rats were fed standard diet (soybean oil) after weaning. GDM offspring were divided into three groups: GDM offspring (soybean oil), n-3 PUFA adequate offspring (fish oil), and n-3 PUFA deficient offspring (safflower oil), fed up to 11 months old. The diabetic risk of GDM offspring gradually increased from no change at weaning to obvious impaired glucose and insulin tolerance at 11 months old. n-3 PUFA decreased oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver of older GDM offspring. There was a differential effect of n-3 PUFA and n-6 PUFA on hepatic telomere length in GDM offspring. Non-targeted metabolomics showed that n-3 PUFA played a modulating role in the liver, in which numerous metabolites and metabolic pathways were altered when GDM offspring grew to old age. Many metabolites were related to diabetes risk, such as α-linolenic acid, palmitic acid, ceramide, oxaloacetic acid, tocotrienol, tetrahydro-11-deoxycortisol, andniacinamide. In summary, GDM offspring exhibited obvious diabetes risk at old age, whereas n-3 PUFA decreased this risk.

Role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in gestational diabetes, maternal and fetal insights: current use and future directions

ω-3-Polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) are widely used during pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). ω-3 PUFAs are beneficial in the regulation of maternal and fetal metabolic function, inflammation, immunity, macrosomia (MAC), oxidative stress, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth, preterm birth, offspring metabolic function, and neurodevelopment. Dietary counseling is vital for improving therapeutic outcomes in patients with GDM. In maternal circulation, ω-3 PUFAs are transported via transporters, synthesis enzymes, and intracellular proteins, which activate nuclear receptors and play central roles in the cellular metabolic processes of placental trophoblasts. In patients with GDM, this process is compromised due to abnormal functioning of the placenta, which disrupts the normal mother to fetus transport. This results in reduced fetal levels of ω-3 PUFAs, which contributes negatively to fetal growth, metabolic function, and development. Dietary counseling and nutritional assessment remain challenging in the prevention and alleviation of GDM. Therefore, personalized approaches, including measurement of the ω-3 index, pharmacogenetic implementation strategies, and appropriate supplementation with ω-3 PUFAs are used to achieve sufficient distribution in the maternal and fetal fluids during the entire pregnancy period. Developing new dosing guidelines and personalized approaches, determining the mechanisms of ω-3 PUFAs in the placenta, and examining the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetics interactions involving ω-3 PUFAs will lead to better management and increase the quality of life of patients with GDM and their offspring. Moreover, different strategies for supplementing with ω-3 PUFAs, improving their placental transport, and pharmacological exploration of the maternal-fetal interactions will help to further elucidate the role of ω-3 PUFAs in women with GDM. In this review, we summarize the current information on the potential therapeutic benefits and clinical applicability of ω-3 PUFAs in patients with GDM and their offspring, highlighting recent progress and future perspectives in this field. Studies investigating the mechanisms of ω-3 PUFA transport to targeted tissues have spurred an interest in personalized treatment strategies for patients with GDM and their offspring. To implement such therapies, we need to clarify the index/ratio of ω-3 PUFAs in maternal and fetal fluids, delineate the ω-3 PUFA transport pathways, and establish the guidelines for FA profiling prepregnancy and during pregnancy-associated weight gain. Such therapies also need to take into account the gender of the fetus, and whether the patient is obese.

Pancreatic islet response to diabetes during pregnancy in rats

AIMS

The objective of this study was to assess the mechanisms underlying pancreatic islet adaptation in diabetic mothers and their pups. Additionally, the influence of pancreatic adaptations on maternal reproductive performance was also investigated.

MAIN METHODS

Wistar rats were injected with streptozotocin for diabetes induction. At adulthood (3 months), all animals underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for glucose assessment as an inclusion criterion. Following, the animals were mated. At day 18 of pregnancy, the mothers were killed for blood collect ion to determine fasting insulin and glucagon concentrations. The pancreas was removed and processed for the immunohistochemical analysis of insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, Ki-67 and PDX-1, superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD-1), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA). The pregnant uterus was also collected for the evaluation of embryofetal loss.

KEY FINDINGS

The diabetic rats showed increased glucose, serum glucagon and insulin concentrations, and embryofetal loss rates. They also showed a reduction in pancreatic islets area and percentage of cells stained for insulin, increased the percentage of non-β cells (alpha e delta cells) stained for Ki-67, glucagon, and somatostatin. Moreover, the cells stained for somatostatin were spread across the islets and showed stronger staining for MDA and weaker staining for GSH-Px.

SIGNIFICANCE

Diabetes leads to adaptive responses from the endocrine pancreas in pregnancy that especially involves non-β cells, modifying the mantle-core structure. Nonetheless, these adaptations are not enough for glucose homeostasis and affect the maternal environment, which in turn impairs fetal development.

Fish Intake in Pregnancy and Offspring Metabolic Parameters at Age 9⁻16-Does Gestational Diabetes Modify the Risk?

Oily fish, an important source of marine n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), has shown to reduce cardiometabolic risk in adults. Whether maternal fish intake affects offspring metabolic health is less established, especially among high-risk pregnancies. We aimed to examine the association of fish intake in pregnancy with offspring metabolic health who were either exposed or unexposed to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Our study included 1234 mother-offspring dyads (608 with a GDM index pregnancy and 626 control dyads) nested within the Danish National Birth Cohort, which is a prebirth cohort. Maternal seafood and marine n-3 LCPUFA consumption was quantified by a food frequency questionnaire (gestational week 25) and a sub-sample with interview data (weeks 12 and 30). The offspring were clinically examined at 9–16 years, including a Dual energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scan and a fasting blood sample. We calculated multivariable effect estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for anthropometric, adiposity, and metabolic parameters. The median (IQR) intake of total seafood was 23(24) g/day. We found largely no association for total seafood and marine n-3 LCPUFA with offspring metabolic parameters in either group. Using interview data, GDM-exposed women reporting no fish in week 12 and 30 (versus intake >2 times/week) had offspring with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) (ratio of geometric means (RGM): 1.28, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.55), waist circumference (RGM: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.40), triglycerides (RGM: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.03, 3.03), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance HOMA-IR (RGM: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.17, 3.97). We found no associations of n-3 LCPUFA and seafood intake with offspring metabolic outcomes. However, GDM-exposed women who consistently reported eating no fish had offspring with a poorer metabolic profile. Fish intake in pregnancy may mitigate some adverse effects of intrauterine hyperglycemia, however, these findings need replication in better powered studies.

Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Complications of Pregnancy and Maternal Risk Factors for Offspring Cardio-Metabolic Disease

Marine omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are important nutrients during periods of rapid growth and development in utero and infancy. Maternal health and risk factors play a crucial role in birth outcomes and subsequently offspring cardio-metabolic health. Evidence from observational studies and randomized trials have suggested a potential association of maternal intake of marine n-3 PUFAs during pregnancy with pregnancy and birth outcomes. However, there is inconsistency in the literature on whether marine n-3 PUFA supplementation during pregnancy can prevent maternal complications of pregnancy. This narrative literature review summarizes recent evidence on observational and clinical trials of marine n-3 PUFA intake on maternal risk factors and effects on offspring cardio-metabolic health. The current evidence generally does not support a role of maternal n-3 PUFA supplementation in altering the incidence of gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, or pre-eclampsia. It may be that benefits from marine n-3 PUFA supplementation are more pronounced in high-risk populations, such as women with a history of complications of pregnancy, or women with low marine n-3 PUFA intake. Discrepancies between studies may be related to differences in study design, dosage, fatty acid interplay, and length of treatment. Further prospective double-blind studies are needed to clarify the impact of long-chain marine n-3 PUFAs on risk factors for cardio-metabolic disease in the offspring.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids ameliorate aging via redox-telomere-antioncogene axis

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), a group of nourishing and health-promoting nutrients, ameliorate age-related chronic diseases. However, how PUFA especially n-3 PUFA exert anti-aging functions remains poorly understood. Here we link fish oil, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) to the aging etiology via a redox-telomere-antioncogene axis based on D-galactose-induced aging mice. Both fish oil and PUFA enhanced hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities and cardiac SOD activities within the range of 18%-46%, 26%-65% and 19%-58%, respectively, whereas reduced cerebral monoamine oxidase activity, plasma F₂-isoprostane level and cerebral lipid peroxidation level by 56%-90%, 20%-79% and 16%-54%, respectively. Thus, PUFA improve the in vivo redox and oxidative stress induced aging process, which however does not exhibit a dose-dependent manner. Notably, both PUFA and fish oil effectively inactivated testicular telomerase and inhibited c-Myc-mediated telomerase reverse transcriptase expression, whereas n-3 PUFA rather than n-6 PUFA protected liver and testes against telomere shortening within the range of 13%-25% and 25%-27%, respectively. Therefore, n-3 PUFA may be better at inhibiting the DNA damage induced aging process. Surprisingly, only DHA significantly suppressed cellular senescence pathway evidenced by testicular antioncogene p16 and p53 expression. This work provides evident support for the crosstalk between PUFA especially n-3 PUFA and the aging process via maintaining the in vivo redox homeostasis, rescuing age-related telomere attrition and down-regulating the antioncogene expression.

Effect of gestational diabetes mellitus on testis and pancreatic tissues of male offspring

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on some reproductive characteristics, testicular and pancreatic oxidative status and pancreatic endocrine receptor densities of male offspring at post-pubertal stage. A total of 36 1-day-old Wistar Albino male offspring including 12 pups of nontreated mothers (control group), 14 pups of 40 mg/kg STZ-injected mothers (STZ-40 group) and 10 pups of 60 mg/kg STZ-injected mothers (STZ-60 group) were used. The offspring were euthanised on post-natal day 60, their blood, reproductive organs and pancreatic tissues were obtained and examined. When compared with the control group, there was a significant decrease in body and absolute reproductive organ weights, serum testosterone level, testicular and pancreatic catalase activities, pancreatic glutathione level, epididymal sperm concentration of both STZ-40 and STZ-60 groups as well as in testicular glutathione level of only STZ-60 group. Significant increases were determined in testicular and pancreatic malondialdehyde level and glutathione peroxidase activity in both groups and in fasting serum glucose of only STZ-60 group in comparison with the control group. Although some histopathological damages were observed in testes of both STZ-40 and STZ-60 groups, there were no detectable differences between the groups in density of insulin, glucagon and somatostatin receptors in pancreas. In conclusion, GDM has negative effects on reproductive efficiency and testicular-pancreatic tissue oxidant/antioxidant balance of male offspring at post-pubertal stage.

Therapies for gestational diabetes and their implications for maternal and offspring health: Evidence from human and animal studies

Obesity prior to and during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of complications during pregnancy. One of the most common complications of pregnancy is gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a condition characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance that is diagnosed in the third trimester of pregnancy. GDM predisposes both mothers and their children to increased obesity and cardiometabolic disorders, namely type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Current treatments include lifestyle changes and insulin injections, but oral anti-diabetic drugs such as metformin and glyburide are increasingly prescribed as they do not require injections. However, the long-term implications of therapies for diabetes during pregnancy on mothers and their offspring are not fully understood. In this review, we describe current treatments for GDM, including the first line lifestyle interventions such as exercise as well as insulin, glyburides and metformin. We also review selected natural health products that are sometimes used by individuals during pregnancy that could also be an effective therapeutic in pregnancies characterized by obesity or GDM. We focus on both the short- and long-term effects of treatments on the health of mothers and their offspring. We review the current literature from clinical research and animal studies.

A lipidomic study on the regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress targeted by marine ω-3 PUFA and polyphenols in high-fat high-sucrose diets

The ability of polyphenols to ameliorate potential oxidative damage of ω-3 PUFAs when they are consumed together and then, to enhance their potentially individual effects on metabolic health is discussed through the modulation of fatty acids profiling and the production of lipid mediators. For that, the effects of the combined consumption of fish oils and grape seed procyanidins on the inflammatory response and redox unbalance triggered by high-fat high-sucrose (HFHS) diets were studied in an animal model of Wistar rats. A standard diet was used as control. Results suggested that fish oils produced a replacement of ω-6 by ω-3 PUFAs in membranes and tissues, and consequently they improved inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters: favored the activity of 12/15-lipoxygenases on ω-3 PUFAs, enhanced glutathione peroxidases activity, modulated proinflammatory lipid mediators synthesis through the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathways and down-regulated the synthesis de novo of ARA leaded by Δ5 desaturase. Although polyphenols exerted an antioxidative and antiinflammatory effect in the standard diet, they were less effective to reduce inflammation in the HFHS dietary model. Contrary to the effect observed in the standard diet, polyphenols up-regulated COX pathways toward ω-6 proinflammatory eicosanoids as PGE₂ and 11-HETE and decreased the detoxification of ω-3 hydroperoxides in the HFHS diet. As a result, additive effects between fish oils and polyphenols were found in the standard diet in terms of reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. However, in the HFHS diets, fish oils seem to be the one responsible for the positive effects found in the combined group.

Chemopreventive effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and atorvastatin in rats with bladder cancer

Bladder cancer remains a huge concern for the medical community because of its incidence and prevalence rates, as well as high percentage of recurrence and progression. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and atorvastatin proved anti-inflammatory effects through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma mechanism. However, their chemopreventive effect still remained to be examined and clarified. In this study, bladder cancer was induced in rats by the chemical carcinogen N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid: 2:3 w/w; 1200 mg/kg) and/or atorvastatin (6 mg/kg) were given orally daily to rats for eight consecutive weeks concomitantly with N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine and continued for further 4 weeks after cessation of N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine administration. The histopathological examination of rat bladder revealed the presence of tumors and the absence of apoptotic bodies in sections from N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine group, while tumors were absent and apoptotic bodies were clearly observed in sections from rat groups treated with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, atorvastatin, or both drugs. The study of the molecular mechanisms illustrated downregulation of COX-2 and P53 (mutant) genes and suppression of transforming growth factor beta-1 and the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde in serum of rats of the three treated groups. This chemopreventive effect was confirmed by and associated with lower level of bladder tumor antigen in urine. However, the combined treatment with both drugs exhibited the major protective effect and nearly corrected the dyslipidemia that has been induced by N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine. Collectively, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and atorvastatin, besides having anti-inflammatory properties, proved a chemopreventive effect against bladder cancer, which nominates them to be used as adjuvant therapy with other chemotherapeutics.

NEED OF IRON SUPPLEMENTATION IN GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS

Objective

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases the foetal morbidity and mortality and there is also risk of development of type II diabetes for the mother. In pregnancy iron supplementations are given to all the females in India. Data are not available on the relationship between serum ferritin and GDM in Indian populations.

Material & Methods

Case control study was done on 90 women (30 GDM patients approx 28 weeks of gestation and 60 control subjects without GDM) referred to the tertiary care hospital at New Delhi. Ferritin was analysed by ELISA kit. They were analyzed for the correlation of ferritin with blood glucose in GDM patients.

Results

On comparison with blood glucose the levels of ferritin were statistically significantly high in GDM cases as compared to controls (p value 0.008). There was a negative correlation of ferritin with blood glucose level (r value -0.039, p value 0.794).

Discussion

Pregnancy is an equivalent of an inflammatory state and the high levels of ferritin can help in determining the need of iron supplementation given in pregnant females. Women who had high serum ferritin had the greatest risk of GDM.

Conclusion

This study suggests a possible link between elevated serum ferritin and low-grade inflammation. Further studies in larger populations are required to establish this study.

Lipidomics to analyze the influence of diets with different EPA:DHA ratios in the progression of Metabolic Syndrome using SHROB rats as a model

The role of specific proportions of ω-3 EPA and DHA, in the modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress markers associated to the progression of Metabolic Syndrome was investigated. Potential inflammatory eicosanoids and docosanoids were discussed together to biomarkers of CVD, obesity, inflammation and oxidative stress in an animal model of metabolic disorders. Results evidenced a noteworthy health effect of 1:1 and 2:1 EPA:DHA proportions over 1:2 EPA:DHA based diets through a down-regulation in the production of strong pro-inflammatory ω-6 eicosanoids, a decrement of biomarkers of oxidative stress, and a modulation of fatty acid desaturase activities and plasma and membrane PUFAs towards greater anti-inflammatory profiles. Outcomes contribute to the general knowledge on the health benefits of marine lipids and their role on the progress of MetS, inflammation and oxidative stress. Results shed light on controversial protective mechanisms of EPA and DHA to better design dietary interventions aimed at reducing MetS.

Effect of Sardina pilchardus oil on alloxan-induced diabetic rats

The purpose of this study was to prevent or to delay the onset of diabetes-related complications, by using a natural marine resource, Sardina pilchardus oil, administrated to alloxan-induced diabetic rats showing hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the sardine oil detected 18 constituents. The major ones were n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids among which are docosahexaenoic acid (25.09%) and eicosapentaenoic acid (19.61%). Sardine oil inhibited the α-amylase activity in rats' sera (26.82%) and thus improved glycemia (54%). The supplement of this oil protected the β-cells from death and damage, significantly decreased total triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations in diabetic rats' sera and increased the HDL-cholesterol level. Gavage administration of this oil to rats protected the liver and kidney functions by reducing the aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and phosphatase alkaline activities, and by decreasing creatinine, urea and uric acid levels.

PPIA is a novel adipogenic factor implicated in obesity

OBJECTIVE

To assess the role of peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase a (PPIA) in adipogenesis and obesity.

METHODS

Fat mass and adipocyte sizes of PPIA-/- and wild-type mice were compared. The role of PPIA in adipocyte differentiation of 3T3L1 and MEFs cells was analyzed by gene silencing and overexpression. The roles of PPIA in obesity were observed on a high-fat diet obesity model and a gestational diabetes obesity model.

RESULTS

PPIA-/- mice had significantly less fat than PPIA+/+ mice. The adipocyte size of PPIA-/- mice was significantly smaller than wild type. Silencing PPIA in 3T3L1 cells significantly impaired its adipocyte differentiation ability. Similarly, MEFs from PPIA-/- mice differentiated less than wild type, while their differentiation ability was restored by PPIA overexpression. PPIA-silenced 3T3L1 cells had significantly lower expression of PPARG, C/EBPA, and C/EBPB at late stage of adipocyte differentiation, which was the same in PPIA-/- MEFs. When fed a high-fat diet, PPIA-/- mice gained significantly less weight than wild type, accompanied by reduced PPARG, C/EBPA, and C/EBPB expression. PPIA expression was significantly higher in adipose tissue of gestational diabetes rat offspring, which had higher inguinal fat/body weight ratios than normal rat offspring.

CONCLUSIONS

PPIA was a novel adipogenic factor important in obesity.

Beneficial effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated Fatty acids in gestational diabetes: consequences in macrosomia and adulthood obesity

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are increasingly being used to prevent cardiovascular diseases, including diabetes and obesity. In this paper, we report data on the observed effects of omega-3 PUFA on major metabolic disorders and immune system disruption during gestational diabetes and their consequences on macrosomia. While controversies still exist about omega-3 PUFA effects on antioxidant status regarding the level of omega-3 PUFA in diet supplementation, their lipid-lowering effects are unanimously recognized by researchers. Animal studies have shown that omega-3 PUFA contributes to the maintenance of the immune defense system by promoting the differentiation of T helper (Th) cell to a Th2 phenotype in diabetic pregnancy and by shifting the Th1/Th2 ratio from a deleterious proinflammatory Th1 phenotype to a protective anti-inflammatory Th2 phenotype in macrosomia and in adulthood obesity that results from macrosomia at birth. Based on the available evidence, international nutritional and food agencies recommend administration of omega-3 PUFA as triglyceride-lowering agents, for the prevention of cardiovascular disease risk and during human pregnancy and lactation. Furthermore, studies targeting humans are still required to explore application of the fatty acids as supplement in the management of gestational diabetes and inflammatory and immune diseases.

[Translational research in gestational diabetes mellitus and mild gestational hyperglycemia: current knowledge and our experience]

Maternal diabetes constitutes an unfavorable environment for fetal-placental and embryonic development. It is has important repercussion in modern obstetrics, since it is associated to an increased risk of neonatal and maternal morbidity, and it still is a significant medical challenge. The increased occurrence of diabetes worldwide, the increase in diabetes type 2 in women at reproductive age and the crossed generation of intrauterine programming for diabetes type 2 are the bases for the growing interest in utilization of diabetic experimental samples, with the aim to acquire knowledge about the mechanisms that induce development alterations in gestational diabetes. Several studies have shown the benefits of diabetes prevention, with interventions in lifestyle, metabolic improvement and control of cardiovascular risk factors to substantially prevent the complications of this devastating disease. Despite these findings, the recent revolution in the scientific knowledge, and the infinite number of new therapies for diabetes, there is still a large gap between what was learned through research and what is really done in public, clinical and community health. The negative economic impact of this complacency in people, families, and national economies is alarming. It is expected that translational research in the binomial diabetes and pregnancy are implemented in centers of excellence, in both basic and applied research, and complemented by multicenter clinical studies, conducted in a pragmatic way to increase the level of scientific evidence with more reliable diagnostic and propaedeutic resources.

Oxidative stress in pregnancy and fertility pathologies

Oxidative stress designates the state of imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant levels. In a healthy placenta, there is an increase in ROS production, due to formation of new tissues and inherent metabolism, but this is balanced by higher levels of antioxidants. However, this balance is lost in some situations, with a consequent increase in oxidative stress levels. Oxidative stress has been implicated in several placental disorders and pregnancy pathologies. The present review intends to summarize what is known about the relationship between oxidative stress and well-known pregnancy disorders.

The effect of dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on plasma lipids and lipoproteins of C57BL/6 mice is age and sex specific

There is clear evidence of the effects of sex and age on the prevalence of cardiovascular disease. We investigated the interactions of dietary omega (n)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), sex, and age on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in the offspring of C57BL/6 mice exposed to high, medium, or low n-3 PUFA at weaning and 16 weeks postweaning. There was an increase in plasma triglycerides from weaning to 16 weeks in male and female offspring; however, the high n-3 PUFA group showed a reduction in triglycerides in both sexes at 16 weeks. High n-3 PUFA caused an increase in plasma LDL-cholesterol from weaning to 16 weeks in male offspring; however, the LDL particle size was significantly larger in the high n-3 PUFA group. Plasma from male mice showed higher cholesterol efflux compared to females; high n-3 PUFA increased cholesterol efflux. Thus the effects of n-3 PUFA are age and sex dependent.

Effect of dietary n - 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on oxidant/antioxidant status in macrosomic offspring of diabetic rats

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of dietary n − 3 PUFA on oxidant/antioxidant status, in vitro very low and low density lipoprotein (VLDL-LDL), and VLDL-LDL-fatty acid composition in macrosomic pups of diabetic mothers. We hypothesized that n − 3 PUFA would improve oxidative stress in macrosomia. Diabetes was induced in female Wistar rats fed with the ISIO diet (control) or with the EPAX diet (enriched in n − 3 PUFAs), by streptozotocin. The macrosomic pups were killed at birth (day 0) and at adulthood (day 90). Lipid parameters and VLDL-LDL-fatty acid composition were investigated. The oxidant/antioxidant status was determined by measuring plasma oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), hydroperoxides, carbonyl proteins, and VLDL-LDL oxidation. Macrosomic rats of ISIO fed diabetic mothers showed an increase in plasma and VLDL-LDL-triglycerides and VLDL-LDL-cholesterol levels and altered VLDL-LDL-fatty acid composition. Plasma ORAC was low with high hydroperoxide and carbonyl protein levels. The in vitro oxidizability of VLDL-LDL was enhanced in these macrosomic rats. The EPAX diet corrected lipid parameters and improved oxidant/antioxidant status but increased VLDL-LDL susceptibility to oxidation. Macrosomia is associated with lipid abnormalities and oxidative stress. n − 3 PUFA exerts favorable effects on lipid metabolism and on the oxidant/antioxidant status of macrosomic rats. However, there are no evident effects on VLDL-LDL oxidation.

New evaluation of fetal oxidative stress: measurement of the umbilical cord blood dimethyl sulfate-induced ascorbyl-free radical by an electron spin resonance method

OBJECTIVE

The aim is to evaluate intrapartum fetal oxidative stress in real-time by umbilical cord blood dimethyl sulfate (DMSO)-induced ascorbyl-free radical (AFR) measured by an electron spin resonance (ESR) method.

METHODS

Seventy-five mothers delivering at gestational age after 37 weeks were recruited. They were divided into three groups: spontaneous vaginal birth (n = 27), elective cesarean section (CS) (n = 34), and emergency CS due to non-reassuring fetal status (n = 14). Umbilical artery (UA) and venous (UV) cord blood gas analysis was performed. Serum levels of DMSO-induced AFR (AFR/DMSO) that reflect vitamin C concentrations were measured by ESR spectroscopy.

RESULTS

Blood gas analysis showed no significant differences among the groups. UA-AFR/DMSO level of elective CS group was significantly lower compared with spontaneous delivery group (0.32 ± 0.12 versus 0.46 ± 0.14, p < 0.005). Emergency CS group showed significantly lower levels of UA-AFR/DMSO compared with elective CS group (0.25 ± 0.11 versus 0.32 ± 0.12, p < 0.005). UV-AFR/DMSO levels had no significant difference among the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

It is suggested that fetal cord blood AFR/DMSO is a sensitive marker to assess fetal oxidative stress during delivery.

Protective effect of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: Eicosapentaenoic acid/Docosahexaenoic acid 1:1 ratio on cardiovascular disease risk markers in rats

Background

High consumption of fish carries a lower risk of cardiovascular disease as a consequence of dietary omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA; especially EPA and DHA) content. A controversy exists about the component/s responsible of these beneficial effects and, in consequence, which is the best proportion between both fatty acids. We sought to determine, in healthy Wistar rats, the proportions of EPA and DHA that would induce beneficial effects on biomarkers of oxidative stress, and cardiovascular disease risk.

Methods

Female Wistar rats were fed for 13 weeks with 5 different dietary supplements of oils; 3 derived from fish (EPA/DHA ratios of 1:1, 2:1, 1:2) plus soybean and linseed as controls. The activities of major antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPX, and GR) were determined in erythrocytes and liver, and the ORAC test was used to determine the antioxidant capacity in plasma. Also measured were: C reactive protein (CRP), endothelial dysfunction (sVCAM and sICAM), prothrombotic activity (PAI-1), lipid profile (triglycerides, cholesterol, HDLc, LDLc, Apo-A1, and Apo-B100), glycated haemoglobin and lipid peroxidation (LDL-ox and MDA values).

Results

After three months of nutritional intervention, we observed statistically significant differences in the ApoB100/ApoA1 ratio, glycated haemoglobin, VCAM-1, SOD and GPx in erythrocytes, ORAC values and LDL-ox. Supplementation with fish oil derived omega-3 PUFA increased VCAM-1, LDL-ox and plasma antioxidant capacity (ORAC). Conversely, the ApoB100/ApoA1 ratio and percentage glycated haemoglobin decreased.

Conclusions

Our results showed that a diet of a 1:1 ratio of EPA/DHA improved many of the oxidative stress parameters (SOD and GPx in erythrocytes), plasma antioxidant capacity (ORAC) and cardiovascular risk factors (glycated haemoglobin) relative to the other diets.

Mild diabetes models and their maternal-fetal repercussions

The presence of diabetes in pregnancy leads to hormonal and metabolic changes making inappropriate intrauterine environment, favoring the onset of maternal and fetal complications. Human studies that explore mechanisms responsible for changes caused by diabetes are limited not only for ethical reasons but also by the many uncontrollable variables. Thus, there is a need to develop appropriate experimental models. The diabetes induced in laboratory animals can be performed by different methods depending on dose, route of administration, and the strain and age of animal used. Many of these studies are carried out in neonatal period or during pregnancy, but the results presented are controversial. So this paper, addresses the review about the different models of mild diabetes induction using streptozotocin in pregnant rats and their repercussions on the maternal and fetal organisms to propose an adequate model for each approached issue.

Anti-hyperglycemic effects of three medicinal plants in diabetic pregnancy: modulation of T cell proliferation

Background

Populations in Africa mostly rely on herbal concoctions for their primarily health care, but so far scientific studies supporting the use of plants in traditional medicine remain poor. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic effects of Picralima nitida (seeds), Nauclea latifolia (root and stem) and Oxytenanthera abyssinica (leaves) commonly used, in diabetic pregnancy.

Methods

Pregnant wistar rats, rendered diabetic by multiple low injections of streptozotocin, were treated with selected plant extracts based on their antioxidant activities. Vitamin C concentrations, fatty acid compositions and phytochemical analysis of plants extracts were determined. Effect of selected plant extracts on human T cell proliferation was also analysed.

Results

All analysed plant extracts exhibited substantial antioxidant activities probably related to their content in polyphenols. Picralima nitida exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity. Ethanolic and butanolic extracts of Picralima nitida, butanolic extract of Nauclea latifolia and ethanolic extract of Oxytenanthera abyssinica significantly decreased hyperglycemia in the diabetic pregnant rats. Butanolic extract of Picralima, also appeared to be the most potent immunosuppressor although all of the analysed extracts exerted an immunosuppressive effect on T cell proliferation probably due to their linolenic acid (C18:3n-3) and/or alkaloids content. Nevertheless, all analysed plants seemed to be good source of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids.

Conclusion

By having antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic and immunosuppressive activities, these plants could be good candidates in the treatment of diabetes and diabetic pregnancy.

New evaluation of fetal oxidative stress: measurement of the umbilical cord blood dimethyl sulfate-induced ascorbyl free radical by an electron spin resonance method

OBJECTIVE

The aim is to evaluate intrapartum fetal oxidative stress in real-time by umbilical cord blood dimethyl sulfate (DMSO)-induced ascorbyl free radical (AFR) measured by an electron spin resonance (ESR) method.

METHODS

75 mothers delivering at gestational age after 37 weeks were recruited. They were divided into three groups: spontaneous vaginal birth (n = 27), elective cesarean section (CS) (n = 34), and emergency CS due to non-reassuring fetal status (n = 14). Umbilical artery (UA) and venous (UV) cord blood gas analysis was performed. Serum levels of DMSO-induced AFR (AFR/DMSO) that reflect vitamin C concentrations, was measured by ESR spectroscopy.

RESULTS

Blood gas analysis showed no significant differences among the groups. UA-AFR/DMSO level of elective CS group was significantly lower compared with spontaneous delivery group (0.32 ± 0.12 vs. 0.46 ± 0.14, p < 0.005). Emergency CS group showed significantly lower levels of UA-AFR/DMSO compared with elective CS group (0.25 ± 0.11 vs. 0.32 ± 0.12, p < 0.005). UV-AFR/DMSO levels had no significant difference among the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

It is suggested that fetal cord blood AFR/DMSO is a sensitive marker to assess fetal oxidative stress during delivery.

Aldehyde stress and up-regulation of Nrf2-mediated antioxidant systems accompany functional adaptations in cardiac mitochondria from mice fed n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Diets replete with n-3 PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) are known to have therapeutic potential for the heart, although a specifically defined duration of the n-3 PUFA diet required to achieve these effects remains unknown, as does their mechanism of action. The present study was undertaken to establish whether adaptations in mitochondrial function and stress tolerance in the heart is evident following short- (3 weeks) and long- (14 weeks) term dietary intervention of n-3 PUFAs, and to identify novel mechanisms by which these adaptations occur. Mitochondrial respiration [mO2 (mitochondrial O2)], H2O2 emission [mH2O2 (mitochondrial H2O2)] and Ca2+-retention capacity [mCa2+ (mitochondrial Ca2+)] were assessed in mouse hearts following dietary intervention. Mice fed n-3 PUFAs for 14 weeks showed significantly lower mH2O2 and greater mCa2+ compared with all other groups. However, no significant differences were observed after 3 weeks of the n-3 PUFA diet, or in mice fed on an HFC (high-fat control) diet enriched with vegetable shortening, containing almost no n-3 PUFAs, for 14 weeks. Interestingly, expression and activity of key enzymes involved in antioxidant and phase II detoxification pathways, all mediated by Nrf2 (nuclear factor E2-related factor 2), were elevated in hearts from mice fed the n-3 PUFA diet, but not hearts from mice fed the HFC diet, even at 3 weeks. This increase in antioxidant systems in hearts from mice fed the n-3 PUFA diet was paralleled by increased levels of 4-hydroxyhexenal protein adducts, an aldehyde formed from peroxidation of n-3 PUFAs. The findings of the present study demonstrate distinct time-dependent effects of n-3 PUFAs on mitochondrial function and antioxidant response systems in the heart. In addition, they are the first to provide direct evidence that non-enzymatic oxidation products of n-3 PUFAs may be driving mitochondrial and redox-mediated adaptations, thereby revealing a novel mechanism for n-3 PUFA action in the heart.

The role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of gestational diabetes mellitus

Normal human pregnancy is considered a state of enhanced oxidative stress. In pregnancy, it plays important roles in embryo development, implantation, placental development and function, fetal development, and labor. However, pathologic pregnancies, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), are associated with a heightened level of oxidative stress, owing to both overproduction of free radicals and/or a defect in the antioxidant defenses. This has important implications on the mother, placental function, and fetal well-being. Animal models of diabetes have confirmed the important role of oxidative stress in the etiology of congenital malformations; the relative immaturity of the antioxidant system facilitates the exposure of embryos and fetuses to the damaging effects of oxidative stress. Of note, there are only a few clinical studies evaluating the potential beneficial effects of antioxidants in GDM. Thus, whether or not increased antioxidant intake can reduce the complications of GDM in both mother and fetus needs to be explored. This review provides an overview and updated data on our current understanding of the complications associated with oxidative changes in GDM.

Maternal diabetes in pregnancy: early and long-term outcomes on the offspring and the concept of "metabolic memory"

The adverse outcomes on the offspring from maternal diabetes in pregnancy are substantially documented. In this paper, we report main knowledge on impacts of maternal diabetes on early and long-term health of the offspring, with specific comments on maternal obesity. The main adverse outcome on progenies from pregnancy complicated with maternal diabetes appears to be macrosomia, as it is commonly known that intrauterine exposure to hyperglycemia increases the risk and programs the offspring to develop diabetes and/or obesity at adulthood. This “fetal programming”, due to intrauterine diabetic milieu, is termed as “metabolic memory”. In gestational diabetes as well as in macrosomia, the complications include metabolic abnormalities, degraded antioxidant status, disrupted immune system and potential metabolic syndrome in adult offspring. Furthermore, there is evidence that maternal obesity may also increase the risk of obesity and diabetes in offspring. However, women with GDM possibly exhibit greater macrosomia than obese women. Obesity and diabetes in pregnancy have independent and additive effects on obstetric complications, and both require proper management. Management of gestational diabetes mellitus and maternal obesity is essential for maternal and offspring's good health. Increasing physical activity, preventing gestational weight gain, and having some qualitative nutritional habits may be beneficial during both the pregnancy and offspring's future life.

Bimodal distribution of polyunsaturated fatty acids in schizophrenia suggests two endophenotypes of the disorder

BACKGROUND

There is conflicting evidence of whether polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in red blood cells are bimodally distributed in schizophrenia. The purpose of this study was to examine the distribution of PUFA, as well as its links to plausible causal factors.

METHODS

A 16-week cohort study and a case-control study as part of a randomized controlled trial. Ninety-nine patients with DSM-IV schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or schizophreniform disorder, aged 18 to 39, were consecutively included at admission to psychiatric departments of nine Norwegian hospitals. Fatty acids were measured in 97 of these patients and in 20 healthy control subjects. The primary outcome measure was the bimodality test statistic T, assessed by a χ(2) test of the likelihood of one or two normal distributions of PUFA.

RESULTS

At baseline, levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids were highly significantly bimodally distributed among patients. One third of patients constituted a group (low PUFA) who had PUFA levels at one fifth (p < .001) of those in high PUFA patients and healthy control subjects, which did not differ. Bimodality was mainly accounted for by docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid. Bimodality was confirmed after 16 weeks. α-tocopherol was a robust predictor of PUFA at both occasions. Desaturase and elongase indexes differed between PUFA groups. Smoking, gender, antipsychotic medication, and dietary factors did not explain the bimodal distribution.

CONCLUSIONS

Red blood cell PUFA were bimodally distributed among acutely ill patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Endogenous deficiencies of redox regulation or synthesis of long-chain PUFA in the low PUFA group may explain our findings.

A model of insulin resistance in mice, born to diabetic pregnancy, is associated with alterations of transcription-related genes in pancreas and epididymal adipose tissue

Objective. This study is conducted on a model of insulin-resistant (IR) mice born to dams which were rendered diabetic by the administration of streptozotocin. Methods. Adult IR and control offspring were selected and we determined the mRNA expression of transcription factors known to modulate pancreatic and adipose tissue activities and inflammation. Results. We observed that serum insulin increased, and the mRNA of insulin gene transcription factors, Pdx-1, Nkx6.1 and Maf-A, were upregulated in IR mice pancreas. Besides, their pancreatic functional capacity seemed to be exhausted as evidenced by low expression of pancreatic Glut2 and glucokinase mRNA. Though IR offspring exhibited reduced epididymal adipose tissue, their adipocytes seemed to be differentiated into macrophage-like cells, as they exhibited upregulated CD14 and CD68 antigens, generally expressed by macrophages. However, there was no peripheral macrophages infiltration into epididymal adipose tissue, as the expression of F4/80, a true macrophage marker, was undetectable. Furthermore, the expression of IL-6, TNF-α and TLR-2, key players of insulin resistance, was upregulated in the adipose tissue of IR offspring. Conclusion. Insulin resistant state in mice, born to diabetic pregnancy, alters the expression of function-related genes in pancreas and epididymal adipose tissue and these offspring are prone to develop metabolic syndrome.

Activation of the nuclear receptor PPARα regulates lipid metabolism in foetal liver from diabetic rats: implications in diabetes-induced foetal overgrowth

BACKGROUND

peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) is a crucial regulator of liver lipid metabolism. As maternal diabetes impairs foetal lipid metabolism and growth, we aimed to determine whether PPARα activation regulates lipid metabolism in the foetal liver from diabetic rats as well as foetal weight and foetal liver weight.

METHODS

diabetes was induced by neonatal streptozotocin administration (90 mg/kg). For ex vivo studies, livers from 21-day-old foetuses from control and diabetic rats were explanted and incubated in the presence of PPARα agonists (clofibrate and leukotriene B(4) ) for further evaluation of lipid levels (by thin layer chromatography and densitometry), de novo lipid synthesis (by (14) C-acetate incorporation) and lipid peroxidation (by thiobarbituric reactive substances evaluation). For in vivo studies, foetuses were injected through the uterine wall with leukotriene B(4) on days 19, 20 and 21 of gestation. On day 21 of gestation, foetal liver concentrations of lipids and lipoperoxides were evaluated.

RESULTS

foetuses from diabetic rats showed increased body weight and liver weight, as well as accumulation of triglycerides and cholesteryl esters, increased de novo lipid synthesis and lipid peroxidation in the liver when compared to controls. Ex vivo studies showed that PPARα ligands reduced both the concentrations and synthesis of the lipid species studied and lipid peroxidation in the foetal liver from diabetic rats. In vivo experiments showed that leukotriene B(4) reduced the concentrations of triglycerides, cholesteryl esters and phospholipids, as well as lipid peroxidation, foetal weight and foetal liver weight in diabetic rats.

CONCLUSIONS

PPARα activation regulates the impaired foetal liver lipid metabolism, prevents hepatomegaly and reduces foetal overgrowth induced by maternal diabetes.

Animal models in diabetes and pregnancy

The worldwide increase in the incidence of diabetes, the increase in type 2 diabetes in women at reproductive ages, and the cross-generation of the intrauterine programming of type 2 diabetes are the bases for the growing interest in the use of experimental diabetic models in order to gain insight into the mechanisms of induction of developmental alterations in maternal diabetes. In this scenario, experimental models that present the most common features of diabetes in pregnancy are highly required. Several important aspects of human diabetic pregnancies such as the increased rates of spontaneous abortions, malformations, fetoplacental impairments, and offspring diseases in later life can be approached by using the appropriate animal models. The purpose of this review is to give a practical and critical guide into the most frequently used experimental models in diabetes and pregnancy, discuss their advantages and limitations, and describe the aspects of diabetes and pregnancy for which these models are thought to be adequate. This review provides a comprehensive view and an extensive analysis of the different models and phenotypes addressed in diabetic animals throughout pregnancy. The review includes an analysis of the surgical, chemical-induced, and genetic experimental models of diabetes and an evaluation of their use to analyze early pregnancy defects, induction of congenital malformations, placental and fetal alterations, and the intrauterine programming of metabolic diseases in the offspring's later life.

Growth factor concentrations and their placental mRNA expression are modulated in gestational diabetes mellitus: possible interactions with macrosomia

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. GDM is a well known risk factor for foetal overgrowth, termed macrosomia which is influenced by maternal hypergycemia and endocrine status through placental circulation. The study was undertaken to investigate the implication of growth factors and their receptors in GDM and macrosomia, and to discuss the role of the materno-foeto-placental axis in the in-utero regulation of foetal growth.

Methods

30 women with GDM and their 30 macrosomic babies (4.75 ± 0.15 kg), and 30 healthy age-matched pregnant women and their 30 newborns (3.50 ± 0.10 kg) were recruited in the present study. Serum concentrations of GH and growth factors, i.e., IGF-I, IGF-BP3, FGF-2, EGF and PDGF-B were determined by ELISA. The expression of mRNA encoding for GH, IGF-I, IGF-BP3, FGF-2, PDGF-B and EGF, and their receptors, i.e., GHR, IGF-IR, FGF-2R, EGFR and PDGFR-β were quantified by using RT-qPCR.

Results

The serum concentrations of IGF-I, IGF-BP3, EGF, FGF-2 and PDGF-B were higher in GDM women and their macrosomic babies as compared to their respective controls. The placental mRNA expression of the growth factors was either upregulated (FGF-2 or PDGF-B) or remained unaltered (IGF-I and EGF) in the placenta of GDM women. The mRNA expression of three growth factor receptors, i.e., IGF-IR, EGFR and PDGFR-β, was upregulated in the placenta of GDM women. Interestingly, serum concentrations of GH were downregulated in the GDM women and their macrosomic offspring. Besides, the expression of mRNAs encoding for GHR was higher, but that encoding for GH was lower, in the placenta of GDM women than control women.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that growth factors might be implicated in GDM and, in part, in the pathology of macrosomia via materno-foeto-placental axis.

[Effects of omega 3 supplementation in pregnant women]

Maternal nutrition is a major environmental factor, which can be modified and can affect fetal growth and development with potential long-term consequences. There is currently a strong mediatic pressure for supplementing diets with omega 3 fatty acids. Nevertheless, if beneficial effects seem to be confirmed in adults and in animal models, the evidence for favourable effects of omega 3 supplementation in pregnant women are less obvious. Indeed, there is a trend showing a positive effect on cerebral development, but long term effects have not been demonstrated and both the quantity of omega 3 and the omega 3:omega 6 ratios are not precisely determined. Numerous studies are needed, both in pregnant animal models and in patients, to unravel these effects.

Role of lipids and fatty acids in macrosomic offspring of diabetic pregnancy

Diabetic pregnancy frequently results in macrosomia or fetal obesity. It seems that the anomalies in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in macrosomic infants of diabetic mothers are due to maternal hyperglycemia, which leads to fetal hyperinsulinemia. We have developed a rat model of macrosomic offspring and assessed the onset of obesity in these animals. The macrosomic offspring born to diabetic mothers are prone to the development of glucose intolerance and obesity as a function of age. It seems that in utero programming during diabetic pregnancy creates a "metabolic memory" which is responsible for the development of obesity in macrosomic offspring. We have demonstrated that the metabolism of lipids, and altered anti-oxidant status and immune system are implicated in the etiopathology of obesity in these animals. We have reported beneficial effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in obese animals, born to diabetic dams.

Antioxidant status and circulating lipids are altered in human gestational diabetes and macrosomia

Fetuses from mothers with gestational diabetes are at increased risk of developing neonatal macrosomia and oxidative stress. We investigated the modulation of antioxidant status and circulating lipids in gestational diabetic mothers and their macrosomic babies and in healthy age-matched pregnant women and their newborns. The serum antioxidant status was assessed by employing anti-radical resistance kit (KRL; Kirial International SA, Couternon, France) and determining levels of vitamin A, C, and E and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Circulating serum lipids were quantified, and lipid peroxidation was measured as the concentrations of serum thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). As compared with non-diabetic mothers, gestational diabetic women exhibited decreased levels of vitamin E and enhanced concentrations of vitamin C without any changes in vitamin A. Vitamin A and C levels did not change in macrosomic babies except vitamin E whose levels were lower in these infants than in the newborns of non-diabetic mothers. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and macrosomia were also associated with impaired SOD activities and enhanced TBARS levels. Globally, total serum antioxidant defense status in diabetic mothers and their macrosomic babies was diminished as compared with control subjects. Triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations did not differ significantly between gestational diabetic and control mothers; however, macrosomia was associated with enhanced plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These results suggest that human GDM and macrosomia are associated with downregulation of antioxidant status, and macrosomic infants also exhibit altered lipid metabolism.

Phase 2 enzyme induction by conjugated linoleic acid improves lupus-associated oxidative stress

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) exhibits anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Its ability to increase total GSH (GSH+GSSG) amount and gamma-glutamylcysteine ligase (gammaGCL) protein expression was recently associated with the inhibition of typical pathological signs in MRL/MpJ-Fas(lpr) mice (MRL/lpr). In the present study the ability of CLA to modulate oxidative stress and phase 2 enzyme activity in the same animal model was investigated. Disease severity was associated with age-dependent production of anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies (anti-dsDNA IgGs) and with enhanced extent of oxidative stress markers: reduced total GSH, increased protein 3-nitrotyrosines (3-NT), and protein-bound carbonyl (PC) amounts. To examine the effect of CLA on antioxidant status, CLA or olive oil (as control) was administered to pregnant MRL/lpr mice. Significantly higher total GSH and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) levels were measured in serum of CLA-treated dams (and their pups), as compared with controls. Finally, the antioxidant and chemopreventive properties of CLA were investigated in old MRL/lpr mice. Sera of CLA-treated mice contained higher concentrations of total GSH which were negatively correlated with the levels of oxidative stress markers. Moreover, increased GSH, gammaGCL, glutathione S-transferase (GSTs), and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) activities were measured in liver and spleen of CLA-treated animals. In conclusion our data indicate that the activation of detoxifying enzymes may be one of the mechanisms whereby dietary CLA down-regulates oxidative stress in MRL/lpr mice.

Impact of maternal nutrition and metabolism on health of the offspring

Since the original publication of the theory of the fetal origins of adult diseases more than 15 years ago, extensive epidemiological studies have linked the environment in utero to adult health. Maternal nutrition and metabolism are major mechanisms by which the intrauterine environment programs the health of the offspring. Both growth-restricted and overgrown fetuses are at risk for postnatal disease. This paper summarizes the nutritional and metabolic causes of both these conditions and also reviews the interventions that have been tested to mitigate these effects.

Cassava-enriched diet is not diabetogenic rather it aggravates diabetes in rats

Chronic intake of cassava has been thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes. We investigated the effects of dietary cassava (Manihot esculenta), which naturally contains cyanogenic glycosides, in the progression of diabetes mellitus in rats. Diabetes was induced by five mild doses of streptozotocin, in male Wistar rats which were fed a standard or cyanide-free cassava (CFC) diet containing or not containing exogenous cyanide with or without methionine. Methionine was employed to counterbalance the toxic effects of cyanide. During diabetes progression, we determined glycaemia and antioxidant status, by measuring vitamin C levels and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione reductase (GSSG-Red). Feeding CFC diet did not induce diabetes in control rats; rather this diet, in diabetic animals, aggravated hyperglycaemia the severity of which was increased in these animals fed CFC diet, supplemented with cyanide. Addition of methionine curtailed the toxic effects of cyanide supplementation in CFC diet-fed diabetic animals. In standard diet-fed animals, the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and GSSG-Red were lower in diabetic rats than control rats. Interestingly, all of the CFC diets with or without cyanide or methionine, increased vitamin C levels and antioxidant enzyme activities in both control and diabetic animals. However, supplementing cyanide to CFC diet (without methionine) curtailed SOD and GSH-Px activities in diabetic rats. Our study shows that cassava diet containing cyanide is 'diabetes-aggravating'.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha deficiency increases the risk of maternal abortion and neonatal mortality in murine pregnancy with or without diabetes mellitus: Modulation of T cell differentiation

We assessed the implication of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha deficiency in pregnancy outcome and neonatal survival and in the modulation of T cell differentiation in murine diabetic pregnancy and their offspring. Pregnant wild-type (WT) and PPAR alpha-null mice of C57BL/6J genetic background were rendered diabetic by five low doses of streptozotocin. We observed that, in the absence of diabetes, PPAR alpha deficiency resulted in an increase in abortion rate, i.e. 0% in WT mice vs. 20% in PPAR alpha-null mice [odds ratio (OR) = 14.33; P = 0.013]. Under diabetic conditions, the abortion rate was enhanced, i.e. 8.3% in WT mice vs. 50% in PPAR alpha-null mice (OR = 4.28; P = 0.011). In the pups born to diabetic dams, the offspring mortality, due to the absence of PPAR alpha, was enhanced, i.e. 27.7% in WT mice vs. 78.9% in PPAR alpha-null animals (OR = 11.48; P < 0.001). Moreover, we observed that T helper (Th) 1/Th2 balance was shifted to a pregnancy protecting Th2 phenotype in WT diabetic dams and to a noxious Th1 phenotype in PPAR alpha-null mice with diabetic pregnancy. Furthermore, offspring born to diabetic WT dams were hyperinsulinemic and hyperglycemic, and they exhibited up-regulated profile of Th2 cytokines, whereas those born to diabetic PPAR alpha-null dams were hypoinsulinemic and hyperglycemic, and they showed down-regulated profile of Th2 cytokines. However, IFN-gamma, a Th1 cytokine, was up-regulated in the offspring of both diabetic WT and PPAR alpha-null dams. Altogether, our results suggest that PPAR alpha deficiency in mice may be implicated in the increase in maternal abortion, neonatal mortality, and T cell differentiation.