Comparative study of microvascular structural changes in the gestational diabetic placenta

Synthesis and biological evaluation of diclofenac acid derivatives as potential lipoxygenase and α-glucosidase inhibitors

Inflammation is a complex physiological response associated with the onset and progression of various disorders, including diabetes. In this study, we synthesized a series of diclofenac acid derivatives and evaluated their potential anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory activities. The compounds were specifically assessed for their ability to inhibit 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) and α-glucosidase enzymes. The structures of synthesized derivatives were confirmed through 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C-NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry (electron ionization) analysis. All these synthesized derivatives exhibited varying degrees of inhibitory activity against LOX, when compared with standard drugs, compounds 5a (half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) 14 ± 1 µM), 5b (IC50 61 ± 1 µM) and 7c (IC50 67 ± 1 µM) showed good activity against the LOX enzyme. While the α-glucosidase inhibitory results revealed that most of the compounds exhibited significant activity when compared with the standard drug acarbose (376 ± 1 µM). The most potent compounds as α-glucosidase inhibitors were 7b (3 ± 1 µM), 4b (5 ± 1 µM), 7a (7 ± 1 µM) and 8b (11 ± 1 µM). All these active compounds were found to be least toxic and maintained the mononuclear cells viability at 96-97% compared with that of controls as determined by multi-transaction translator assay. Molecular docking studies further reiterated the significance of these 'lead' compounds with great potential against the target enzymes in the process of drug discovery.

Pyrrolidine derivatives as α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors: Design, synthesis, structure-activity relationship (SAR), docking studies and HSA binding

In our pursuit of developing effective inhibitors for the enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which play a crucial role in carbohydrate metabolism related to type-2 diabetes, we synthesized compounds featuring a pyrrolidine ring. The synthesis involved coupling N-Boc-proline with various aromatic amines, resulting in the formation of distinct N-Boc proline amides. To investigate the influence of the Boc group on enzyme inhibition, the Boc group was subsequently removed. In vitro, testing against α-amylase and α-glucosidase, with metformin and acarbose as reference standards, revealed that the 4-methoxy analogue 3g showed noteworthy inhibitory activity, with IC50 values of 26.24 and 18.04 μg/mL, respectively. Compounds 3a with an IC50 value of 36.32 μg/mL and 3f with an IC50 value of 27.51 μg/mL displayed significant inhibitory activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively. The results of molecular docking studies of the most potent pyrrolidine derivatives 3a and 3g with α-amylase and 3f and 3g with α-glucosidase showed good agreement with experimental data. Moreover, compound 3g showed strong binding interactions with HSA having binding constant values of 7.08 × 105 M-1 and 4.77 × 105 M-1 using UV-visible and fluorescence spectrophotometry, respectively.

In vivo and computational investigation of butin against alloxan-induced diabetes via biochemical, histopathological, and molecular interactions

Herbs have been used as medicines since antiquity, and it has been discovered that the human body responds well to herbal remedies. Research on the effect of butin was conducted in the current study in the alloxan-induced diabetic rat paradigm. A total of 30 Wistar rats were randomly assigned into the following groups (n = 6): I-Normal; II-Alloxan-induced (50 mg/kg); III-Alloxan + butin 25 mg/kg; IV-Alloxan + butin 50 mg/kg; V-Butin per se 50 mg/kg. Various diabetic parameters (blood glucose, insulin, HbA1c), lipid profile, inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and NF-κB), antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD and GSH), oxidative stress indicators (MDA), apoptosis marker (caspase-3), hepatic markers (ALT and AST), and histopathological changes were assessed. Additionally, molecular docking and dynamics were performed to evaluate the interaction of butin with target proteins. Butin treatment, at both doses, significantly restored biochemical parameters and preserved pancreatic histopathology in diabetic rats. It effectively modulated blood parameters, lipid profiles, inflammatory markers, apoptosis, antioxidant enzyme activity, oxidative stress, and hepatic markers. Molecular docking revealed that butin binds to proteins such as caspase-3 (1NME), NF-κB (1SVC), and serum insulin (4IBM) with binding affinities of - 7.4, - 6.5, and - 8.2 kcal/mol, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations further suggested that butin induces significant conformational changes in these proteins. Butin exhibits potential effects against alloxan-induced diabetic rats by restoring biochemical balance, reducing inflammation, and protecting pancreatic tissue. Its binding to key proteins involved in apoptosis and inflammation highlights its therapeutic potential in diabetes management.

Novel acyl hydrazide derivatives of polyhydroquinoline as potent anti-diabetic and anti-glycating agents: Synthesis, in vitro α-amylase, α-glucosidase inhibition and anti-glycating activity with molecular docking insights

In this study, eleven novel acyl hydrazides derivative of polyhydroquinoline were synthesized, characterized and screened for their in vitro anti-diabetic and anti-glycating activities. Seven compounds 2a, 2d, 2i, 2 h, 2j, 2f, and 2 g exhibited notable α-amylase inhibitory activity having IC50 values from 3.51 ± 2.13 to 11.92 ± 2.30 µM. Similarly, six compounds 2d, 2f, 2 h, 2i, 2j, and 2 g displayed potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity compared to the standard acarbose. Moreover, eight derivatives 2d, 2 g, 2f, 2j, 2a, 2i, 2 g, and 2e showed excellent anti-glycating activity with IC50 values from 6.91 ± 2.66 to 15.80 ± 1.87 µM when compared them with the standard rutin (IC50 = 22.5 ± 0.90 µM). Molecular docking was carried out to predict the binding modes of all the compounds with α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The docking analysis revealed that most of the compounds established strong interactions with α-amylase and α-glucosidase. All compounds fitted well into the binding pockets of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Among all compounds 2a and 2f were most potent based on docking score -8.2515 and -7.3949 against α-amylase and α-glucosidase respectively. These results hold promise for the development of novel candidates targeted at controlling postprandial glucose levels in individuals with diabetes.

Environmental endocrine disruptor-induced mitochondrial dysfunction: a potential mechanism underlying diabetes and its complications

Diabetes and its complications significantly affect individuals' quality of life. The etiology of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications is complex and not yet fully understood. There is an increasing emphasis on investigating the effects of endocrine disruptors on diabetes, as these substances can impact cellular processes, energy production, and utilization, ultimately leading to disturbances in energy homeostasis. Mitochondria play a crucial role in cellular energy generation, and any impairment in these organelles can increase susceptibility to diabetes. This review examines the most recent epidemiological and pathogenic evidence concerning the link between endocrine disruptors and diabetes, including its complications. The analysis suggests that endocrine disruptor-induced mitochondrial dysfunction-characterized by disruptions in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, dysregulation of calcium ions (Ca2+), overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and initiation of signaling pathways related to mitochondrial apoptosis-may be key mechanisms connecting endocrine disruptors to the development of diabetes and its complications.

Thiazolidine-2,4-dione hybrids as dual alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors: design, synthesis, in vitro and in vivo anti-diabetic evaluation

Twelve 3,5-disubstituted-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (TZD) hybrids were synthesized using solution phase chemistry. Continuing our previous work, nine O-modified ethyl vanillin (8a-i) derivatives were synthesized and reacted with the TZD core via Knoevenagel condensation under primary reaction conditions to obtain final derivatives 9a-i. Additionally, three isatin-TZD hybrids (11a-c) were synthesized. The intermediates and final derivatives were characterized using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, and the observed chemical shifts agreed with the proposed structures. The in vitro alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory evaluation of newly synthesized derivatives revealed compounds 9F and 9G as the best dual inhibitors, with IC50 values of 9.8 ± 0.047 μM for alpha-glucosidase (9F) and 5.15 ± 0.0017 μM for alpha-glucosidase (9G), 17.10 ± 0.015 μM for alpha-amylase (9F), and 9.2 ± 0.092 μM for alpha-amylase (9G). The docking analysis of synthesized compounds indicated that compounds have a higher binding affinity for alpha-glucosidase as compared to alpha-amylase, as seen from docking scores ranging from -1.202 to -5.467 (for alpha-amylase) and -4.373 to -7.300 (for alpha-glucosidase). Further, the molecules possess a high LD50 value, typically ranging from 1000 to 1600 mg kg-1 of body weight, and exhibit non-toxic properties. The in vitro cytotoxicity assay results on PANC-1 and INS-1 cells demonstrated that the compounds were devoid of significant toxicity against the tested cells. Compounds 9F and 9G showed high oral absorption, i.e., oral absorption >96%, and their molecular dynamics simulation yielded results closely aligned with the observed docking outcomes. Finally, compounds 9F and 9G were evaluated for in vivo antidiabetic assessment by the induction of diabetes in Wistar rats using streptozotocin. Molecule 9G has been identified as the most effective anti-diabetic molecule due to its ability to modulate several biochemical markers in blood plasma and tissue homogenates. The results were further confirmed by histology investigations conducted on isolated pancreas, liver, and kidney.

Non-aggregated and water soluble non-peripherally octa substituted Co(II) and Cu(II) phthalocyanines: Synthesis and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a progressive metabolic disease associated with high blood sugar levels that affects 537 million people worldwide. This study aim is to investigate the potential for use in the treatment of T2DM by examining the in vitro glucosidase inhibitory effects of novel synthesized metallophthalocyanines. For this reason, we have synthesized cobalt(II), copper(II) phthalocyanines (3PY-ON-CoQ, 3PY-ON-CuQ) that are both water-soluble and do not aggregate in water. These compounds were characterized by using various spectroscopic methods. The α-glucosidase inhibitory properties of 3PY-ON-CoQ and 3PY-ON-CuQ were carried out using the spectrophotometric method. Then, Lineweaver-Burk and Dixon plots were examined to determine the inhibitory type and constant (Ki). The IC50 values of 3PY-ON-CoQ and 3PY-ON-CuQ were 6.85 ± 1.25 μM and 55.09 ± 2.64 μM, respectively. Both compounds displayed mixed inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase according to Lineweaver-Burk plots. The Ki values of 3PY-ON-CoQ and 3PY-ON-CuQ were calculated as 6.30 ± 1.55 μM and 54.25 ± 1.20 μM, respectively. The results of this work may lead to the discovery of new compounds for the treatment of T2DM.

Investigating cerebral neurovascular responses to hyperglycemia in a rat model of type 2 diabetes using multimodal assessment techniques

To study neurovascular function in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), we established a high-fat diet/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ) rat model. Electrocorticography-laser speckle contrast imaging (ECoG-LSCI) revealed that the somatosensory-evoked potential (SSEP) amplitude and blood perfusion volume were significantly lower in the HFD/STZ group. Cortical spreading depression (CSD) velocity was used as a measure of neurovascular function, and the results showed that the blood flow velocity and the number of CSD events were significantly lower in the HFD/STZ group. In addition, to compare changes during acute hyperglycemia and hyperglycemia, we used intraperitoneal injection (IPI) of glucose to induce transient hyperglycemia. The results showed that CSD velocity and blood flow were significantly reduced in the IPI group. The significant neurovascular changes observed in the brains of rats in the HFD/STZ group suggest that changes in neuronal apoptosis may play a role in altered glucose homeostasis in T2DM.

α-Glucosidase inhibitory potential of Oroxylum indicum using molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and in vitro evaluation

Background

According to the International Diabetes Federation, there will be 578 million individuals worldwide with diabetes by 2030 and 700 million by 2045. One of the promising drug targets to fight diabetes is α-glucosidase (AG), and its inhibitors may be used to manage diabetes by reducing the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simple sugars. The study aims to identify and validate potential AG inhibitors in natural sources to combat diabetes.

Methods

Computational techniques such as structure-based virtual screening and molecular dyncamic simulation were employed to predict potential AG inhibitors from compounds of Oroxylum indicum. Finally, in silico results were validated by in vitro analysis using n-butanol fraction of crude methanol extracts.

Results

The XP glide scores of top seven hits OI_13, OI_66, OI_16, OI_44, OI_43, OI_20, OI_78 and acarbose were -14.261, -13.475, -13.074, -13.045, -12.978, -12.659, -12.354 and -12.296 kcal/mol, respectively. These hits demonstrated excellent binding affinity towards AG, surpassing the known AG inhibitor acarbose. The MM-GBSA dG binding energies of OI_13, OI_66, and acarbose were -69.093, -62.950, and -53.055 kcal/mol, respectively. Most of the top hits were glycosides, indicating that active compounds lie in the n-butanol fraction of the extract. The IC50 value for AG inhibition by n-butanol fraction was 248.1 μg/ml, and for that of pure acarbose it was 89.16 μg/ml. The predicted oral absorption rate in humans for the top seven hits was low like acarbose, which favors the use of these compounds as anti-diabetes in the small intestine.

Conclusion

In summary, the study provides promising insights into the use of natural compounds derived from O. indicum as potential AG inhibitors to manage diabetes. However, further research, including clinical trials and pharmacological studies, would be necessary to validate their efficacy and safety before clinical use.

Synthesis of Flurbiprofen Based Amide Derivatives as Potential Leads for Diabetic Management: In Vitro α‐glucosidase Inhibition, Molecular Docking and DFT Simulation Approach

This research is based on the synthesis, characterization and in vitro α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity of fourteen amides (2 a–2 n) of flurbiprofen drug. Seven compounds in the series displayed potent inhibitory activity having IC50 values (IC50=5.67±0.89 μM) to (IC50=17.87±2.39 μM) in comparison with acarbose standard (IC50=875.75±1.24 μM). The FMO of 2 a–2 n molecules was quantified by the DFT assay. The promising value for energygap explained the higher poteny agannist α‐glucosidase. MEP provides the insights into the distribution of electrostatic potential on the molecular surface of 2 a–2 n, showing that C=O group has the highest negative potential. The AIM investigation revealed minimal hydrogen bond energy and non‐covalent interactions. This suggests that these molecules may have limited hydrogen bonding and non‐covalent interactions, which could be relevant to their chemical behavior. Molecular docking and (MEP) showed the C=O group, with its high negative potential, is a key in recognizing the catalytic non‐polar regions of enzymes, such as TYR72, GLU277, and ARG442. Similarly, the hydrophobic regions of investigated compounds play a significant role in identifying essential amino acids like ASP352 and ARG442, which are vital for the ligand's proper orientation and subsequent biological activity.

Synthesis of novel hydrazide Schiff bases with anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects: in-vitro, in-vivo and in-silico approaches

The increasing global incidence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) necessitates innovative therapeutic solutions. This study focuses on the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of Schiff base derivatives from 2-bromo-2-(2-chlorophenyl) acetic acid, particularly hydrazone compounds 4a and 4b. Both in-vitro and in-vivo assays demonstrate these derivatives' strong antidiabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic properties. In a 15-d experiment, we administered 4a and 4b at doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg body weight, which effectively improved symptoms of alloxan-induced diabetes in mice. These symptoms included weight loss, increased water consumption and high blood glucose levels. The compounds also normalized abnormal levels of total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), while raising the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC). Computational analysis showed that these compounds effectively inhibited the α-glucosidase enzyme by interacting with key catalytic residues, specifically Asp214 and Asp349. These computational results were confirmed through in-vitro tests, where 4a and 4b showed strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, with IC50 values of 0.70 ± 0.11 and 10.29 ± 0.30 µM, respectively. These compounds were more effective than the standard drug, acarbose, which had an IC50 value of 873.34 ± 1.67 µM. Mechanistic studies further indicated competitive inhibition, reinforcing the therapeutic potential of 4a and 4b for NIDDM treatment.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Heartfelt living: Deciphering the link between lifestyle choices and cardiovascular vitality

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are still leading to a significant number of deaths worldwide despite the remarkable advancements in medical technology and pharmacology. Managing patients with established CVDs is a challenge for healthcare providers as it requires reducing the chances of recurring cardiovascular events. On the other hand, changing one's way of life can also significantly impact this area, reducing the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and death through their unique advantages. Consequently, it is advisable for healthcare providers to regularly advise their patients with coronary issues to participate in organized physical exercise and improve their overall physical activity. Additionally, patients should adhere to a diet that promotes heart health, cease smoking, avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, and address any psychosocial stressors that may heighten the risk of cardiovascular problems. These lifestyle therapies, whether used alongside drug therapy or on their own in patients who may have difficulty tolerating medications, face financial barriers, or experience ineffectiveness, can substantially reduce cardiovascular mortality and the likelihood of recurring cardiac events. Despite the considerable advancements in creating interventions, it is still necessary to determine the optimal intensity, duration, and delivery method for these interventions. Furthermore, it is crucial to carry out further investigations incorporating extended monitoring and assessment of clinical outcomes to get a more comprehensive comprehension of the efficacy of these therapies. Presenting the findings within the framework of "lifestyle medicine," this review seeks to offer a thorough synopsis of the most recent scientific investigations into the potential of behavioral modifications to lower cardiovascular disease risk.

Assessment of potential risk factors associated with gestational diabetes mellitus: evidence from a Mendelian randomization study

Background

Previous research on the association between risk factors and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) primarily comprises observational studies with inconclusive results. The objective of this study is to investigate the causal relationship between 108 traits and GDM by employing a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to identify potential risk factors of GDM.

Methods

We conducted MR analyses to explore the relationships between traits and GDM. The genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for traits were primarily based on data from the UK Biobank (UKBB), while the GWAS for GDM utilized data from FinnGen. We employed a false discovery rate (FDR) of 5% to account for multiple comparisons.

Results

The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method indicated that the genetically predicted 24 risk factors were significantly associated with GDM, such as "Forced expiratory volume in 1-second (FEV1)" (OR=0.76; 95% CI: 0.63, 0.92), "Forced vital capacity (FVC)" (OR=0.74; 95% CI: 0.64, 0.87), "Usual walking pace" (OR=0.19; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.39), "Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)" (OR=0.86; 95% CI: 0.78, 0.94). The sensitivity analyses with MR-Egger and weighted median methods indicated consistent results for most of the trats.

Conclusion

Our study has uncovered a significant causal relationship between 24 risk factors and GDM. These results offer a new theoretical foundation for preventing or mitigating the risks associated with GDM.

Usage of computational method for hemodynamic analysis of intracranial aneurysm rupture risk in different geometrical aspects

The importance of the parent vessel geometrical feature on the risk of cerebral aneurysm rupture is unavoidable. This study presents inclusive details on the hemodynamics of Internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms with different parent vessel mean diameters. Different aspects of blood hemodynamics are compared to find a reasonable connection between parent vessel mean diameter and significant hemodynamic factors of wall shear stress (WSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), and pressure distribution. To access hemodynamic data, computational fluid dynamics is used to model the blood stream inside the cerebral aneurysms. A hemodynamic comparison of the selected cerebral aneurysm shows that the minimum WSS is reduced by about 71% as the parent vessel's mean diameter is increased from 3.18 to 4.48 mm.

Influence of parent vessel feature on the risk of internal carotid artery aneurysm rupture via computational method

In this study, the role of sac section area and parent vessel diameter on the hemodynamic feature of the blood flow in selected internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms is comprehensively investigated. The changes of wall shear stress, pressure, and oscillatory shear index (OSI) of blood stream on the vessel for various aneurysms with coiling treatment. To attain hemodynamic factors, computational technique is used for the modeling of non-Newtonian transient blood flow inside the three different ICA aneurysms. Three different saccular models with various Parent vessel mean Diameter is investigated in this study. The achieved outcomes show that increasing the diameter of the parent vessel directly decreases the OSI value on the sac surface. In addition, the mean wall shear stress decreases with the increase of the parent vessel diameter.

Computational and statistical analyses of blood hemodynamic inside cerebral aneurysms for treatment evaluation of endovascular coiling

Diagnosis of aneurysm and possibility of aneurysm rupture are crucial for avoiding brain hemorrhage. In this work, blood stream inside internal carotid arteries (ICAs) are simulated in diverse working conditions to disclose the importance of hemodynamic factors on the rupture of aneurysm. The main attention of this study is to investigate the role of hemodynamic on the aneurysm rupture. Statistical and computational methods are applied to investigate coiling porosity and blood hematocrit in 9 specific real ICA geometries. Response surface model (RSM) develops 25 runs to investigate all features of selected geometrical parameters and treatment factors. Computational fluid dynamic is used for the simulation of the blood stream in the selected aneurysms. The effects of sac section area and mean radius of parent vessel on blood hemodynamics are fully investigated. Hemodynamic factors are examined and compared at the peak systolic time instant, including pressure distributions, and velocity. Achieved results indicate that the increasing sac section area (from 36.6 to 75.4 mm2) results in 20% pressure reduction on the sac wall.

Uterine Arteries Resistance in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Mellitus Type 1, Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, and Uncomplicated Pregnancies

BACKGROUND

The examination of the uterine arteries using Doppler in the first trimester of pregnancy serves as a valuable tool for evaluating the uteroplacental circulation. Diabetes mellitus is associated with altered placental implantation and pregnancy-related pathologies, such as preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to compare the uterine arteries' pulsatility indices (UtA PI) in women with diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1), diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and uncomplicated pregnancies.

METHODS

This was a retrospective case-control trial including pregnant women with DM1, DM2, GDM, and uncomplicated pregnancies, presenting for first-trimester ultrasound screening in two tertiary university hospitals between 2013 and 2023. The first-trimester UtA pulsatility index (PI), expressed in multiples of medians (MoMs), was compared between the four groups.

RESULTS

Out of 15,638 pregnant women, 58 women with DM1, 67 women with DM2, 65 women with GDM, and 65 women with uncomplicated pregnancies were included. The mean UtA PI were 1.00 ± 0.26 MoMs, 1.04 ± 0.32 MoMs, 1.02 ± 0.31 MoMs, and 1.08 ± 0.33 MoMs in pregnant women with DM1, DM2, GDM, and uncomplicated pregnancies, respectively (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Potential alterations in the implantation of the placenta in pregnant women with diabetes were not displayed in the first-trimester pulsatility indices of the uterine arteries, as there were no changes between the groups.

The Mother-Child Dyad Adipokine Pattern: A Review of Current Knowledge

An important role in the network of interconnections between the mother and child is played by adipokines, which are adipose tissue hormones engaged in the regulation of metabolism. Alternations of maternal adipokines translate to the worsening of maternal insulin resistance as well as metabolic stress, altered placenta functions, and fetal development, which finally contribute to long-term metabolic unfavorable conditions. This paper is the first to summarize the current state of knowledge concerning the concentrations of individual adipokines in different biological fluids of maternal and cord plasma, newborn/infant plasma, milk, and the placenta, where it highlights the impact of adverse perinatal risk factors, including gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm delivery, and maternal obesity on the adipokine patterns in maternal-infant dyads. The importance of adipokine measurement and relationships in biological fluids during pregnancy and lactation is crucial for public health in the area of prevention of most diet-related metabolic diseases. The review highlights the huge knowledge gap in the field of hormones participating in the energy homeostasis and metabolic pathways during perinatal and postnatal periods in the mother-child dyad. An in-depth characterization is needed to confirm if the adverse outcomes of early developmental programming might be modulated via maternal lifestyle intervention.