1
|
Musumeci A, McElwain CJ, Manna S, McCarthy F, McCarthy C. Exposure to gestational diabetes mellitus increases subclinical inflammation mediated in part by obesity. Clin Exp Immunol 2024; 216:280-292. [PMID: 38334487 PMCID: PMC11097910 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxae010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a frequent and serious complication of pregnancy, often associated with obesity. Metabolic dysfunction and metainflammation are evident in both obesity and GDM. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed at defining the direct contribution of the immune system in GDM, across the main metabolic tissues, specifically focussing on elucidating the roles of obesity and GDM to the clinical outcome. Using immunoassays and multicolour flow cytometry, cytokine profiles and immune cell frequencies were measured in maternal circulation and central metabolic tissues [placenta and visceral adipose tissue (VAT)] in GDM-diagnosed (n = 28) and normal glucose tolerant (n = 32) women undergoing caesarean section. Participants were sub-grouped as non-obese [body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m2] or obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Unsupervised data analysis was performed on the flow cytometry data set to identify functional alterations. GDM obese participants had significantly elevated circulating IL-6 and IL-17A levels. GDM non-obese participants had elevated circulating IL-12p70, elevated placental IL-17A, and VAT IFN-γ production. Unsupervised clustering of immune populations across the three biological sites simultaneously, identified different NK- and T-cell phenotypes that were altered in NGT obese and GDM non-obese participants, while a classical tissue monocyte cluster was increased in GDM obese participants. In this study, there was significant evidence of subclinical inflammation, and significant alterations in clusters of NK cells, T cells, and tissue monocyte populations in GDM. While increased adiposity assimilates with increased inflammation in the non-pregnant state, this overt relationship may not be as evident during pregnancy and warrants further examination in future longitudinal studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Musumeci
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Colm John McElwain
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Samprikta Manna
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Fergus McCarthy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Cathal McCarthy
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rees A, Richards O, Allen-Kormylo A, Jones N, Thornton CA. Maternal body mass index is associated with an altered immunological profile at 28 weeks of gestation. Clin Exp Immunol 2022; 208:114-128. [PMID: 35304898 PMCID: PMC9113395 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxac023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Healthy pregnancy is accompanied by various immunological and metabolic adaptations. Maternal obesity has been implicated in adverse pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), while posing a risk to the neonate. There is a lack of knowledge surrounding obesity and the maternal immune system. The objective of this study was to consider if immunological changes in pregnancy are influenced by maternal obesity. Peripheral blood was collected from fasted GDM-negative pregnant women at 26-28 weeks of gestation. Analysis was done using immunoassay, flow cytometry, bioenergetics analysis, and cell culture. The plasma profile was significantly altered with increasing BMI, specifically leptin (r = 0.7635), MCP-1 (r = 0.3024), and IL-6 (r = 0.4985). Circulating leukocyte populations were also affected with changes in the relative abundance of intermediate monocytes (r = -0.2394), CD4:CD8 T-cell ratios (r = 0.2789), and NKT cells (r = -0.2842). Monocytes analysed in more detail revealed elevated CCR2 expression and decreased mitochondrial content with increased BMI. However, LPS-stimulated cytokine production and bioenergetic profile of PBMCs were not affected by maternal BMI. The Th profile skews towards Th17 with increasing BMI; Th2 (r = -0.3202) and Th9 (r = -0.3205) cells were diminished in maternal obesity, and CytoStim™-stimulation exacerbates IL-6 (r = 0.4166), IL-17A (r = 0.2753), IL-17F (r = 0.2973), and IL-22 (r = 0.2257) production with BMI, while decreasing IL-4 (r = -0.2806). Maternal obesity during pregnancy creates an inflammatory microenvironment. Successful pregnancy requires Th2-biased responses yet increasing maternal BMI favours a Th17 response that could be detrimental to pregnancy. Further research should investigate key populations of cells identified here to further understand the immunological challenges that beset pregnant women with obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- April Rees
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | - Oliver Richards
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | - Anastasia Allen-Kormylo
- Maternity and Child Health, Singleton Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea, UK
| | - Nicholas Jones
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fagninou A, Nekoua MP, Fiogbe SEM, Moutaïrou K, Yessoufou A. Predictive Value of Immune Cells in the Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Study. FRONTIERS IN CLINICAL DIABETES AND HEALTHCARE 2022; 3:819164. [PMID: 36992781 PMCID: PMC10012146 DOI: 10.3389/fcdhc.2022.819164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AimsImmunological 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 MethodsImmune 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.ResultsBlood 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).ConclusionOur 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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adnette Fagninou
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FAST), Institute of Applied Biomedical Sciences (ISBA), University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Cotonou, Benin
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Non Transmissibles et le Cancer (UR-MNTC), Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology (LARBA), Ecole Polytechnique d’Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Magloire Pandoua Nekoua
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FAST), Institute of Applied Biomedical Sciences (ISBA), University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Cotonou, Benin
| | - Salomon Ezéchiel M. Fiogbe
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Non Transmissibles et le Cancer (UR-MNTC), Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology (LARBA), Ecole Polytechnique d’Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Kabirou Moutaïrou
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FAST), Institute of Applied Biomedical Sciences (ISBA), University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Cotonou, Benin
| | - Akadiri Yessoufou
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FAST), Institute of Applied Biomedical Sciences (ISBA), University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Cotonou, Benin
- *Correspondence: Akadiri Yessoufou,
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pathirana MM, Lassi Z, Ali A, Arstall M, Roberts CT, Andraweera PH. Cardiovascular risk factors in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2021; 22:729-761. [PMID: 33106997 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-020-09587-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize evidence on conventional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among women with previous Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). The review protocol is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019118149). PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and EMBASE databases were searched. Studies reporting on CVD risk factors in women with previous GDM compared to women without previous GDM were selected. A total of 139 studies were eligible, of which 93 were included in the meta-analysis. Women with previous GDM have significantly higher systolic blood pressure (2.47 mmHg 95% CI 1.74 to 3.40, n = 48, 50,118 participants) diastolic blood pressure (1.89 mmHg 95% CI 1.32 to 2.46, n = 48, 49,495 participants), BMI (1.54 kg/m2 95% CI 1.32 to 2.46, n = 78, 255,308 participants), total cholesterol (0.26 SMD 95% CI 0.15 to 0.37, n = 48, 38,561 participants), LDL cholesterol (0.19 SMD 95% CI 0.08 to 0.30, n = 44, 16,980 participants), triglycerides (0.56 SMD 95% CI 0.42 to 0.70, n = 46, 13,175 participants), glucose (0.69 SMD 95% CI 0.56 to 0.81, n = 55, 127,900 participants), insulin (0.41 SMD 95% CI 0.23 to 0.59, n = 32, 8881 participants) and significantly lower HDL cholesterol (-0.28 SMD 95% CI -0.39 to -0.16, n = 56, 35,882 participants), compared to women without previous GDM. The increased blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose are seen as early as <1 year post-partum.Women with previous GDM have a higher risk of CVD based on significant increases in conventional risk factors. Some risk factors are seen as early as <1 year post-partum. Women with GDM may benefit from early screening to identify modifiable CVD risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maleesa M Pathirana
- Adelaide Medical School and The Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Zohra Lassi
- Adelaide Medical School and The Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Anna Ali
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Basil Hetzel Institute, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, SA, Australia
- Adelaide G-TRAC Centre & CRE Frailty & Healthy Ageing Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Margaret Arstall
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, SA, Australia
| | - Claire T Roberts
- Adelaide Medical School and The Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Prabha H Andraweera
- Adelaide Medical School and The Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- Department of Cardiology, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, SA, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Omazić J, Viljetić B, Ivić V, Kadivnik M, Zibar L, Müller A, Wagner J. Early markers of gestational diabetes mellitus: what we know and which way forward? Biochem Med (Zagreb) 2021; 31:030502. [PMID: 34658643 PMCID: PMC8495622 DOI: 10.11613/bm.2021.030502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Women’s metabolism during pregnancy undergoes numerous changes that can lead to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The cause and pathogenesis of GDM, a heterogeneous disease, are not completely clear, but GDM is increasing in prevalence and is associated with the modern lifestyle. Most diagnoses of GDM are made via the guidelines from the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADSPG), which involve an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Diagnosis in this stage of pregnancy can lead to short- and long-term implications for the mother and child. Therefore, there is an urgent need for earlier GDM markers in order to enable prevention and earlier treatment. Routine GDM biomarkers (plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and sex hormone-binding globulin) can differentiate between healthy pregnant women and those with GDM but are not suitable for early GDM diagnosis. In this article, we present an overview of the potential early biomarkers for GDM that have been investigated recently. We also present our view of future developments in the laboratory diagnosis of GDM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Omazić
- Department of Laboratory and Transfusion Medicine, National Memorial Hospital Vukovar, Vukovar, Croatia.,Department of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, J.J. Strossmayer University, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Barbara Viljetić
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, J.J. Strossmayer University, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Vedrana Ivić
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, J.J. Strossmayer University, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Mirta Kadivnik
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Center Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, J.J. Strossmayer University, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Lada Zibar
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, J.J. Strossmayer University, Osijek, Croatia.,Department of Nephrology, Clinical Hospital Merkur, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Andrijana Müller
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Center Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, J.J. Strossmayer University, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Jasenka Wagner
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, J.J. Strossmayer University, Osijek, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Maternal Immune Dysregulation: What We Know So Far. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084261. [PMID: 33923959 PMCID: PMC8073796 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an obstetric complication that affects approximately 5-10% of all pregnancies worldwide. GDM is defined as any degree of glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy, and is characterized by exaggerated insulin resistance, a condition which is already pronounced in healthy pregnancies. Maternal hyperglycaemia ensues, instigating a 'glucose stress' response and concurrent systemic inflammation. Previous findings have proposed that both placental and visceral adipose tissue play a part in instigating and mediating this low-grade inflammatory response which involves altered infiltration, differentiation and activation of maternal innate and adaptive immune cells. The resulting maternal immune dysregulation is responsible for exacerbation of the condition and a further reduction in maternal insulin sensitivity. GDM pathology results in maternal and foetal adverse outcomes such as increased susceptibility to diabetes mellitus development and foetal neurological conditions. A clearer understanding of how these pathways originate and evolve will improve therapeutic targeting. In this review, we will explore the existing findings describing maternal immunological adaption in GDM in an attempt to highlight our current understanding of GDM-mediated immune dysregulation and identify areas where further research is required.
Collapse
|
7
|
Hsieh CC, Wang YF, Lin PY, Peng SH, Chou MJ. Seed peptide lunasin ameliorates obesity-induced inflammation and regulates immune responses in C57BL/6J mice fed high-fat diet. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 147:111908. [PMID: 33290807 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Obesity causes immune cells to infiltrate into adipose tissues and secrete proinflammatory mediators, promoting the development of chronic diseases. The seed peptide lunasin has been reported to have several bioactivities. We aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory properties of lunasin in obese models. Female and male C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups: low-fat diet (LF), high-fat diet (HF), and HF with an intraperitoneal injection of lunasin (HFL). In females, lunasin decreased the levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin (IL)-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) produced in peritoneal macrophages, indicating a decrease in F4/80+ macrophage infiltration, especially the CD11c + M1 phenotype. Serum leptin and tissue-oxidized lipid malondialdehyde levels were decreased in the HFL group. In males, lunasin normalized the obesity-induced increase in spleen size and splenocyte numbers. Moreover, lunasin inhibited IL-6 secretion while promoting interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and IL-2 production in the splenocytes. In vitro, lunasin increased EL-4 T-cell proliferation and IL-2 production in activated T cells under obese conditions. Thus, lunasin is a potential natural compound that promotes immunomodulation in both female and male obese mice in a sex-dependent manner. Furthermore, lunasin mediates the anti-inflammatory response and enhances the T helper type 1 cell response to obesity-related immune disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Chien Hsieh
- Undergraduate and Graduate Programs of Nutrition Science, School of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, 10610, Taiwan.
| | - Yen-Fang Wang
- Undergraduate and Graduate Programs of Nutrition Science, School of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, 10610, Taiwan.
| | - Pin-Yu Lin
- Undergraduate and Graduate Programs of Nutrition Science, School of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, 10610, Taiwan.
| | - Shih-Han Peng
- Undergraduate and Graduate Programs of Nutrition Science, School of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, 10610, Taiwan.
| | - Mei-Jia Chou
- Undergraduate and Graduate Programs of Nutrition Science, School of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, 10610, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Th2-Immune Polarizing and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Insulin Are Not Effective in Type 2 Diabetic Pregnancy. J Immunol Res 2020; 2020:2038746. [PMID: 32626786 PMCID: PMC7312550 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2038746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The implication of the immune system in the physiopathology of pregnancy complicated by diabetes has been reported. Here, we investigated the effects of insulin treatment on the frequencies of immune cell subpopulations as well as T cell-derived cytokines in type 2 diabetic (T2D) pregnancy compared to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods Fifteen (15) women with GDM, twenty (20) insulin-treated T2D pregnant women, and twenty-five (25) pregnant controls were selected. Immune cell subpopulation frequencies were determined in blood using flow cytometry. The proliferative capacity of T cells was performed, and serum and cell culture supernatant cytokine levels were also quantified. Results The frequencies of total CD3+ and CD4+ T cells and nonclassical monocytes significantly increased in insulin-treated T2D pregnant women compared to pregnant controls. The proportions of CD4+ T cells as well as B cells were significantly higher in women with GDM than in pregnant controls. GDM was associated with high frequencies of total CD3+ and CD4+ T cells and B cell expansion, suggesting a concomitant activation of cellular and humoral immunity. Concomitantly, Th1/Th2 ratio, determined as IFN-γ/IL-4, was shifted towards Th1 phenotype in women with GDM and insulin-treated T2D pregnant women. Besides, isolated T cells elicited similar proliferative capacity in the three groups of women. Insulin-treated T2D pregnant women and women with GDM exhibited a low serum IL-10 level, without any change in the number of Treg cells. Conclusion Our study showed that, despite insulin treatment, pregnant women with T2D displayed a proinflammatory status consistent with high proportions of CD3+ and CD4+ T cells, upregulation of Th1 cytokines, and low IL-10 production, suggesting a reduced immune-suppressive activity of regulatory T cells. However, GDM, although associated with proinflammatory status, has shown increased humoral immunity consistent with high proportion of CD19+ B cells. Thus, the lack of response to insulin in diabetes during pregnancy and clinical implications of these immunological parameters deserves further investigations.
Collapse
|
9
|
Guevara-Aguirre J, Guevara C, Guevara A, Gavilanes AA. Branding of subjects affected with genetic syndromes of severe short stature in developing countries. BMJ Case Rep 2020; 13:e231737. [PMID: 32041755 PMCID: PMC7021096 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-231737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In Ecuador, a developing South American country, subjects affected with genetic syndromes of severe short stature are commonly referred to as dwarfs or midgets. Furthermore, and because in earlier studies some patients had evidenced mental retardation, such abnormality is assumed to exist in all affected subjects. Herein, we present two discrete instances in which this type of branding occurs. The first is that of individuals with Laron syndrome who are still called 'dwarfs' and considered as having a degree of mental retardation despite evidence showing otherwise. A similar problem, that of a girl affected with a genetic syndrome of short stature, which might include mental retardation, is also discussed. Considering that stigmatising is a form of discrimination, it concerns us all. Hence, the use of derogatory terms such as midget, dwarf or cretin, that might unintentionally occur even when delivering the best and most devoted medical care, must be eliminated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Guevara-Aguirre
- College of Medicine, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
- Instituto de Endocrinologia y Metabolismo, IEMYR, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Carolina Guevara
- Instituto de Endocrinologia y Metabolismo, IEMYR, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Alexandra Guevara
- Instituto de Endocrinologia y Metabolismo, IEMYR, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Antonio Awd Gavilanes
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|