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Francisca S, Gloria AF, Marco PB, Camila NC, Víctor C, Bredford K. Metformin exposure during pregnancy and lactation affects offspring's long-term body weight and adipose tissue mass independent of the maternal metabolic state. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167258. [PMID: 38788910 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and gestational diabetes (GDM) among pregnant women has risen dramatically worldwide. The antihyperglycemic drug metformin is the most common drug for T2DM treatment in non-pregnant individuals; nevertheless, it is increasingly being used for diabetes-complicated pregnancies. Studies on the long-term metabolic effects of this drug in offspring remain scarce. This work aimed to determine the effect of metformin exposure during pregnancy and lactation on the offspring of a model of diet-induced maternal hyperglycemia. Cohorts of pregnant mice were fed a 46% fat diet (HFD) or a control standard diet (SD). A group of dams were exposed to metformin during pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, the offspring were fed SD for 8 weeks and then challenged with a 46% HFD after puberty for 12 weeks. Irrespective of the maternal diet, offspring of metformin-exposed mothers had a lower body weight and reduced inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) mass after HFD challenge. This was associated with increased expression of Pparg, Fabp4, Glut4, Srebp1, and Fasn in the iWAT during adulthood in the metabolically impaired dams exposed to metformin, suggesting increased adipogenesis and de novo lipogenesis. Increased expression of Fasn associated with decreased methylation levels at its promoter and proximal coding region in the iWAT was found. These results suggest that metformin modulates gene expression levels by epigenetic mechanisms in maternal metabolic-impaired conditions.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Metformin/pharmacology
- Female
- Pregnancy
- Lactation/drug effects
- Mice
- Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/metabolism
- Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/pathology
- Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/chemically induced
- Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects
- Body Weight/drug effects
- Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1/metabolism
- Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1/genetics
- PPAR gamma/metabolism
- PPAR gamma/genetics
- Glucose Transporter Type 4/metabolism
- Glucose Transporter Type 4/genetics
- Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology
- Adipose Tissue, White/metabolism
- Adipose Tissue, White/drug effects
- Obesity/metabolism
- Obesity/pathology
- Obesity/chemically induced
- Fatty Acid Synthase, Type I/metabolism
- Fatty Acid Synthase, Type I/genetics
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Adipose Tissue/metabolism
- Adipose Tissue/drug effects
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/pathology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/chemically induced
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Affiliation(s)
- Stolzenbach Francisca
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias, Universidad San Sebastián, Lota 2465, Providencia, Santiago 7510157, Chile; Doctorado en Ciencias mención Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Isla Teja s/n, 5110566 Valdivia, Chile; Centro de Estudios Científicos-CECs, Av. Arturo Prat 540, 5110466 Valdivia, Chile
| | - Alarcón-Fernández Gloria
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias, Universidad San Sebastián, Lota 2465, Providencia, Santiago 7510157, Chile; Centro de Estudios Científicos-CECs, Av. Arturo Prat 540, 5110466 Valdivia, Chile
| | - Pérez-Bustamante Marco
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias, Universidad San Sebastián, Lota 2465, Providencia, Santiago 7510157, Chile; Doctorado en Ciencias mención Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Isla Teja s/n, 5110566 Valdivia, Chile; Centro de Estudios Científicos-CECs, Av. Arturo Prat 540, 5110466 Valdivia, Chile
| | | | - Cortés Víctor
- Departamento de Nutrición, Diabetes y Metabolismo, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Kerr Bredford
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias, Universidad San Sebastián, Lota 2465, Providencia, Santiago 7510157, Chile; Centro de Estudios Científicos-CECs, Av. Arturo Prat 540, 5110466 Valdivia, Chile.
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Zhu Y, Engmann M, Medina D, Han X, Das P, Bartke A, Ellsworth BS, Yuan R. Metformin treatment of juvenile mice alters aging-related developmental and metabolic phenotypes in sex-dependent and sex-independent manners. GeroScience 2024; 46:3197-3218. [PMID: 38227136 PMCID: PMC11009201 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01067-6] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Metformin has attracted increasing interest for its potential benefits in extending healthspan and longevity. This study examined the effects of early-life metformin treatment on the development and metabolism of C57BL/6 J (B6) mice, with metformin administered to juvenile mice from 15 to 56 days of age. Metformin treatment led to decreased body weight in both sexes (P < 0.05, t-test). At 9 weeks of age, mice were euthanized and organ weights were recorded. The relative weight of retroperitoneal fat was decreased in females, while relative weights of perigonadal and retroperitoneal fat were decreased, and relative liver weight was increased in males (P < 0.05, t-test). Glucose and insulin tolerance tests (GTT and ITT) were conducted at the age of 7 weeks. ANOVA revealed a significant impairment in insulin sensitivity by the treatment, and a significantly interactive effect on glucose tolerance between sex and treatment, underscoring a disparity in GTT between sexes in response to the treatment. Metformin treatment reduced circulating insulin levels in fasting and non-fasting conditions for male mice, with no significant alterations observed in female mice. qRT-PCR analysis of glucose metabolism-related genes (Akt2, Glut2, Glut4, Irs1, Nrip1, Pi3k, Pi3kca, Pkca) in the liver and skeletal muscle reveals metformin-induced sex- and organ-specific effects on gene expression. Comparison with previous studies in heterogeneous UM-HET3 mice receiving the same treatment suggests that genetic differences may contribute to variability in the effects of metformin treatment on development and metabolism. These findings indicate that early-life metformin treatment affects development and metabolism in both sex- and genetics-dependent manners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P.O. Box 19628, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA
| | - Morgan Engmann
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P.O. Box 19628, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA
| | - David Medina
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P.O. Box 19628, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA
| | - Xiuqi Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P.O. Box 19628, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA
| | - Pratyusa Das
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University SIU School of Medicine, 1135 Lincoln Drive, Life Science III, Room 2062, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - Andrzej Bartke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P.O. Box 19628, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA
| | - Buffy S Ellsworth
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University SIU School of Medicine, 1135 Lincoln Drive, Life Science III, Room 2062, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - Rong Yuan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P.O. Box 19628, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA.
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van Hoorn EGM, Rademaker D, van der Wel AWT, DeVries JH, Franx A, van Rijn BB, Kooy A, Siegelaar SE, Roseboom TJ, Ozanne SE, Hooijmans CR, Painter RC. Fetal and post-natal outcomes in offspring after intrauterine metformin exposure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal experiments. Diabet Med 2024; 41:e15243. [PMID: 37845186 DOI: 10.1111/dme.15243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The impact of maternal metformin use during pregnancy on fetal, infant, childhood and adolescent growth, development, and health remains unclear. Our objective was to systematically review the available evidence from animal experiments on the effects of intrauterine metformin exposure on offspring's anthropometric, cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in PUBMED and EMBASE from inception (searched on 12th April 2023). We extracted original, controlled animal studies that investigated the effects of maternal metformin use during pregnancy on offspring anthropometric, cardiovascular and metabolic measurements. Subsequently, risk of bias was assessed and meta-analyses using the standardized mean difference and a random effects model were conducted for all outcomes containing data from 3 or more studies. Subgroup analyses were planned for species, strain, sex and type of model in the case of 10 comparisons or more per subgroup. RESULTS We included 37 articles (n = 3133 offspring from n = 716 litters, containing n = 51 comparisons) in this review, mostly (95%) on rodent models and 5% pig models. Follow-up of offspring ranged from birth to 2 years of age. Thirty four of the included articles could be included in the meta-analysis. No significant effects in the overall meta-analysis of metformin on any of the anthropometric, cardiovascular and metabolic offspring outcome measures were identified. Between-studies heterogeneity was high, and risk of bias was unclear in most studies as a consequence of poor reporting of essential methodological details. CONCLUSION This systematic review was unable to establish effects of metformin treatment during pregnancy on anthropometric, cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes in non-human offspring. Heterogeneity between studies was high and reporting of methodological details often limited. This highlights a need for additional high-quality research both in humans and model systems to allow firm conclusions to be established. Future research should include focus on the effects of metformin in older offspring age groups, and on outcomes which have gone uninvestigated to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- E G M van Hoorn
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - D Rademaker
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam University Medical Center location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A W T van der Wel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam University Medical Center location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J H DeVries
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Franx
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - B B van Rijn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Kooy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Bethesda Diabetes Research Center, Hoogeveen, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Care Group Treant, Location Bethesda Hoogeveen, Hoogeveen, The Netherlands
| | - S E Siegelaar
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - T J Roseboom
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam University Medical Center location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - S E Ozanne
- Welcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - C R Hooijmans
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Care (Meta Research Team), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - R C Painter
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Cantacorps L, Zhu J, Yagoub S, Coull BM, Falck J, Chesters RA, Ritter K, Serrano-Lope M, Tscherepentschuk K, Kasch LS, Paterson M, Täger P, Baidoe-Ansah D, Pandey S, Igual-Gil C, Braune A, Lippert RN. Developmental metformin exposure does not rescue physiological impairments derived from early exposure to altered maternal metabolic state in offspring mice. Mol Metab 2024; 79:101860. [PMID: 38142972 PMCID: PMC10792763 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and metabolic disorders during pregnancy are increasing globally. This has resulted in increased use of therapeutic interventions such as metformin to aid in glycemic control during pregnancy. Even though metformin can cross the placental barrier, its impact on offspring brain development remains poorly understood. As metformin promotes AMPK signaling, which plays a key role in axonal growth during development, we hypothesized that it may have an impact on hypothalamic signaling and the formation of neuronal projections in the hypothalamus, the key regulator of energy homeostasis. We further hypothesized that this is dependent on the metabolic and nutritional status of the mother at the time of metformin intervention. Using mouse models of maternal overnutrition, we aimed to assess the effects of metformin exposure on offspring physiology and hypothalamic neuronal circuits during key periods of development. METHODS Female C57BL/6N mice received either a control diet or a high-fat diet (HFD) during pregnancy and lactation periods. A subset of dams was fed a HFD exclusively during the lactation. Anti-diabetic treatments were given during the first postnatal weeks. Body weights of male and female offspring were monitored daily until weaning. Circulating metabolic factors and molecular changes in the hypothalamus were assessed at postnatal day 16 using ELISA and Western Blot, respectively. Hypothalamic innervation was assessed by immunostaining at postnatal days 16 and 21. RESULTS We identified alterations in weight gain and circulating hormones in male and female offspring induced by anti-diabetic treatment during the early postnatal period, which were critically dependent on the maternal metabolic state. Furthermore, hypothalamic agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neuronal innervation outcomes in response to anti-diabetic treatment were also modulated by maternal metabolic state. We also identified sex-specific changes in hypothalamic AMPK signaling in response to metformin exposure. CONCLUSION We demonstrate a unique interaction between anti-diabetic treatment and maternal metabolic state, resulting in sex-specific effects on offspring brain development and physiological outcomes. Overall, based on our findings, no positive effect of metformin intervention was observed in the offspring, despite ameliorating effects on maternal metabolic outcomes. In fact, the metabolic state of the mother drives the most dramatic differences in offspring physiology and metformin had no rescuing effect. Our results therefore highlight the need for a deeper understanding of how maternal metabolic state (excessive weight gain versus stable weight during GDM treatment) affects the developing offspring. Further, these results emphasize that the interventions to treat alterations in maternal metabolism during pregnancy need to be reassessed from the perspective of the offspring physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lídia Cantacorps
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jiajie Zhu
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Selma Yagoub
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Bethany M Coull
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Joanne Falck
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Robert A Chesters
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Katrin Ritter
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Miguel Serrano-Lope
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Katharina Tscherepentschuk
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Lea-Sophie Kasch
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Maya Paterson
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Paula Täger
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - David Baidoe-Ansah
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Shuchita Pandey
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Carla Igual-Gil
- Department of Physiology of Energy Metabolism, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE), Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Annett Braune
- Research Group Intestinal Microbiology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Rachel N Lippert
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany; NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
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5
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Tarry-Adkins JL, Robinson IG, Pantaleão LC, Armstrong JL, Thackray BD, Holzner LMW, Knapton AE, Virtue S, Jenkins B, Koulman A, Murray AJ, Ozanne SE, Aiken CE. The metabolic response of human trophoblasts derived from term placentas to metformin. Diabetologia 2023; 66:2320-2331. [PMID: 37670017 PMCID: PMC10627909 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-023-05996-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Metformin is increasingly used therapeutically during pregnancy worldwide, particularly in the treatment of gestational diabetes, which affects a substantial proportion of pregnant women globally. However, the impact on placental metabolism remains unclear. In view of the association between metformin use in pregnancy and decreased birthweight, it is essential to understand how metformin modulates the bioenergetic and anabolic functions of the placenta. METHODS A cohort of 55 placentas delivered by elective Caesarean section at term was collected from consenting participants. Trophoblasts were isolated from the placental samples and treated in vitro with clinically relevant doses of metformin (0.01 mmol/l or 0.1 mmol/l) or vehicle. Respiratory function was assayed using high-resolution respirometry to measure oxygen concentration and calculated [Formula: see text]. Glycolytic rate and glycolytic stress assays were performed using Agilent Seahorse XF assays. Fatty acid uptake and oxidation measurements were conducted using radioisotope-labelled assays. Lipidomic analysis was conducted using LC-MS. Gene expression and protein analysis were performed using RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. RESULTS Complex I-supported oxidative phosphorylation was lower in metformin-treated trophoblasts (0.01 mmol/l metformin, 61.7% of control, p<0.05; 0.1 mmol/l metformin, 43.1% of control, p<0.001). The proton efflux rate arising from glycolysis under physiological conditions was increased following metformin treatment, up to 23±5% above control conditions following treatment with 0.1 mmol/l metformin (p<0.01). There was a significant increase in triglyceride concentrations in trophoblasts treated with 0.1 mmol/l metformin (p<0.05), particularly those of esters of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fatty acid oxidation was reduced by ~50% in trophoblasts treated with 0.1 mmol/l metformin compared with controls (p<0.001), with no difference in uptake between treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION In primary trophoblasts derived from term placentas metformin treatment caused a reduction in oxidative phosphorylation through partial inactivation of complex I and potentially by other mechanisms. Metformin-treated trophoblasts accumulate lipids, particularly long- and very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Our findings raise clinically important questions about the balance of risk of metformin use during pregnancy, particularly in situations where the benefits are not clear-cut and alternative therapies are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane L Tarry-Adkins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - India G Robinson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lucas C Pantaleão
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jenna L Armstrong
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience and Development, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benjamin D Thackray
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience and Development, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lorenz M W Holzner
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience and Development, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alice E Knapton
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience and Development, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sam Virtue
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benjamin Jenkins
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Albert Koulman
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew J Murray
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience and Development, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Catherine E Aiken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Ren Y, Zeng Y, Wu Y, Yu J, Zhang Q, Xiao X. The Role of Gut Microbiota in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Affecting Intergenerational Glucose Metabolism: Possible Mechanisms and Interventions. Nutrients 2023; 15:4551. [PMID: 37960204 PMCID: PMC10648599 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214551] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of type 2 diabetes is increasing every year and has become a serious public health problem. In addition to genetic factors, environmental factors in early life development are risk factors for diabetes. There is growing evidence that the gut microbiota plays an important role in glucose metabolism, and the gut microbiota of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) differs significantly from that of healthy pregnant women. This article reviews the role of maternal gut microbiota in offspring glucose metabolism. To explore the potential mechanisms by which the gut microbiota affects glucose metabolism in offspring, we summarize clinical studies and experimental animal models that support the hypothesis that the gut microbiota affects glucose metabolism in offspring from dams with GDM and discuss interventions that could improve glucose metabolism in offspring. Given that adverse pregnancy outcomes severely impact the quality of survival, reversing the deleterious effects of abnormal glucose metabolism in offspring through early intervention is important for both mothers and their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaolin Ren
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China; (Y.R.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.Y.)
| | - Yuan Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China; (Y.R.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.Y.)
| | - Yifan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China; (Y.R.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.Y.)
| | - Jie Yu
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China; (Y.R.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.Y.)
| | - Qian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China; (Y.R.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.Y.)
| | - Xinhua Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China; (Y.R.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.Y.)
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, The Translational Medicine Center of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
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7
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Tocci V, Mirabelli M, Salatino A, Sicilia L, Giuliano S, Brunetti FS, Chiefari E, De Sarro G, Foti DP, Brunetti A. Metformin in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: To Use or Not to Use, That Is the Question. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1318. [PMID: 37765126 PMCID: PMC10537239 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). GDM occurs when maternal insulin resistance develops and/or progresses during gestation, and it is not compensated by a rise in maternal insulin secretion. If not properly managed, this condition can cause serious short-term and long-term problems for both mother and child. Lifestyle changes are the first line of treatment for GDM, but if ineffective, insulin injections are the recommended pharmacological treatment choice. Some guidance authorities and scientific societies have proposed the use of metformin as an alternative pharmacological option for treating GDM, but there is not yet a unanimous consensus on this. Although the use of metformin appears to be safe for the mother, concerns remain about its long-term metabolic effects on the child that is exposed in utero to the drug, given that metformin, contrary to insulin, crosses the placenta. This review article describes the existing lines of evidence about the use of metformin in pregnancies complicated by GDM, in order to clarify its potential benefits and limits, and to help clinicians make decisions about who could benefit most from this drug treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Tocci
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (V.T.); (M.M.)
- Operative Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes in Pregnancy Ambulatory Care Center, Renato Dulbecco University Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Mirabelli
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (V.T.); (M.M.)
- Operative Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes in Pregnancy Ambulatory Care Center, Renato Dulbecco University Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessandro Salatino
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (V.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Luciana Sicilia
- Operative Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes in Pregnancy Ambulatory Care Center, Renato Dulbecco University Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefania Giuliano
- Operative Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes in Pregnancy Ambulatory Care Center, Renato Dulbecco University Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco S. Brunetti
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (V.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Eusebio Chiefari
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (V.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (V.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Daniela P. Foti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Antonio Brunetti
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (V.T.); (M.M.)
- Operative Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes in Pregnancy Ambulatory Care Center, Renato Dulbecco University Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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8
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Wang L, O'Kane AM, Zhang Y, Ren J. Maternal obesity and offspring health: Adapting metabolic changes through autophagy and mitophagy. Obes Rev 2023:e13567. [PMID: 37055041 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Maternal obesity leads to obstetric complications and a high prevalence of metabolic anomalies in the offspring. Among various contributing factors for maternal obesity-evoked health sequelae, developmental programming is considered as one of the leading culprit factors for maternal obesity-associated chronic comorbidities. Although a unified theory is still lacking to systematically address multiple unfavorable postnatal health sequelae, a cadre of etiological machineries have been put forward, including lipotoxicity, inflammation, oxidative stress, autophagy/mitophagy defect, and cell death. Hereinto, autophagy and mitophagy play an essential housekeeping role in the clearance of long-lived, damaged, and unnecessary cell components to maintain and restore cellular homeostasis. Defective autophagy/mitophagy has been reported in maternal obesity and negatively impacts fetal development and postnatal health. This review will provide an update on metabolic disorders in fetal development and postnatal health issues evoked by maternal obesity and/or intrauterine overnutrition and discuss the possible contribution of autophagy/mitophagy in metabolic diseases. Moreover, relevant mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies will be discussed in an effort to target autophagy/mitophagy and metabolic disturbances in maternal obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Litao Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Aislinn M O'Kane
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, USA
| | - Yingmei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jun Ren
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
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9
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Schoonejans JM, Blackmore HL, Ashmore TJ, Pantaleão LC, Pellegrini Pisani L, Dearden L, Tadross JA, Aiken CE, Fernandez-Twinn DS, Ozanne SE. Sex-specific effects of maternal metformin intervention during glucose-intolerant obese pregnancy on body composition and metabolic health in aged mouse offspring. Diabetologia 2022; 65:2132-2145. [PMID: 36112170 PMCID: PMC9630251 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-022-05789-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Metformin is increasingly used to treat gestational diabetes (GDM) and pregnancies complicated by pregestational type 2 diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome but data regarding long-term offspring outcome are lacking in both human studies and animal models. Using a mouse model, this study investigated the effects of maternal metformin intervention during obese glucose-intolerant pregnancy on adiposity, hepatic steatosis and markers of metabolic health of male and female offspring up to the age of 12 months. METHODS C57BL/6J female mice were weaned onto either a control diet (Con) or, to induce pre-conception obesity, an obesogenic diet (Ob). The respective diets were maintained throughout pregnancy and lactation. These obese dams were then randomised to the untreated group or to receive 300 mg/kg oral metformin hydrochloride treatment (Ob-Met) daily during pregnancy. In male and female offspring, body weights and body composition were measured from 1 month until 12 months of age, when serum and tissues were collected for investigation of adipocyte cellularity (histology), adipose tissue inflammation (histology and quantitative RT-PCR), and hepatic steatosis and fibrosis (histochemistry and modified Folch assay). RESULTS At 12 months of age, male Ob and Ob-Met offspring showed increased adiposity, adipocyte hypertrophy, elevated expression of proinflammatory genes, hyperleptinaemia and hepatic lipid accumulation compared with Con offspring. Male Ob-Met offspring failed to show hyperplasia between 8 weeks and 12 months, indicative of restricted adipose tissue expansion, resulting in increased immune cell infiltration and ectopic lipid deposition. Female Ob offspring were relatively protected from these phenotypes but Ob-Met female offspring showed increased adiposity, adipose tissue inflammation, hepatic lipid accumulation, hyperleptinaemia and hyperinsulinaemia compared with Con female offspring. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Maternal metformin treatment of obese dams increased offspring metabolic risk factors in a sex- and age-dependent manner. These observations highlight the importance of following up offspring of both sexes beyond early adulthood after interventions during pregnancy. Our findings illustrate the complexity of balancing short-term benefits to mother and child vs any potential long-term metabolic effects on the offspring when prescribing therapeutic agents that cross the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josca M Schoonejans
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Heather L Blackmore
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Thomas J Ashmore
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lucas C Pantaleão
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Luciana Pellegrini Pisani
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Bioscience, Laboratory of Nutrition and Endocrine Physiology, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
| | - Laura Dearden
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - John A Tadross
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Catherine E Aiken
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Denise S Fernandez-Twinn
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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10
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Hufnagel A, Grant ID, Aiken CEM. Glucose and oxygen in the early intrauterine environment and their role in developmental abnormalities. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 131:25-34. [PMID: 35410716 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The early life environment can have profound impacts on the developing conceptus in terms of both growth and morphogenesis. These impacts can manifest in a variety of ways, including congenital fetal anomalies, placental dysfunction with subsequent effects on fetal growth, and adverse perinatal outcomes, or via effects on long-term health outcomes that may not be detected until later childhood or adulthood. Two key examples of environmental influences on early development are explored: maternal hyperglycaemia and gestational hypoxia. These are increasingly common pregnancy exposures worldwide, with potentially profound impacts on population health. We explore what is known regarding the mechanisms by which these environmental exposures can impact early intrauterine development and thus result in adverse outcomes in the immediate, short, and long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Hufnagel
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Imogen D Grant
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, Box 223, The Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK
| | - Catherine E M Aiken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, Box 223, The Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK; University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
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11
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Pilszyk A, Niebrzydowska M, Pilszyk Z, Wierzchowska-Opoka M, Kimber-Trojnar Ż. Incretins as a Potential Treatment Option for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710101. [PMID: 36077491 PMCID: PMC9456218 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic disease affecting an increasing number of pregnant women around the world. It is not only associated with numerous perinatal complications but also has long-term consequences impacting maternal health and fetal development. To prevent them, it is important to keep glucose levels under control. As much as 15-30% of GDM patients will require treatment with insulin, metformin, or glyburide. With that in mind, it is crucial to keep searching for novel and improved pharmacotherapies. Nowadays, there are ongoing studies investigating the use of other groups of drugs that have proven successful in the treatment of T2DM. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor are among the drugs targeting the incretin system and are currently receiving significant attention. The aim of our review is to demonstrate the potential of these medications in treating GDM and preventing its later complications. It seems that both groups may be successful in the GDM management used alone or as an addition to better-known drugs, including metformin and glyburide. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm their importance in GDM treatment and to demonstrate effective therapeutic strategies.
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12
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Maternal Treatment with Metformin Persistently Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced Metabolic Symptoms and Modulates Gut Microbiota in Rat Offspring. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14173612. [PMID: 36079869 PMCID: PMC9460832 DOI: 10.3390/nu14173612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A maternal high-fat (HF) diet has long-term deleterious effect on offspring. This study aims to evaluate whether maternal metformin (MT) treatment ameliorates the adverse effects of maternal HF diet on offspring and the role of gut microbiota in it. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a HF diet (60% fat) or a standard chow diet (11.8% fat) group, and part of the HF diet group rats were co-treated with MT via drinking water (300 mg/kg/day), resulting in three groups according to maternal diet and MT treatment during gestation and lactation. All offspring were weaned on a chow diet. A maternal HF diet showed a significant deleterious effect on offspring’s metabolic phenotype and induced colonic inflammation and gut-barrier disruption through the reshaped gut microbiota. The daily oral administration of MT to HF-fed dams during gestation and lactation reversed the dysbiosis of gut microbiota in both dams and adult offspring. The hypothalamic TGR5 expression and plasma bile acids composition in adult male offspring was restored by maternal MT treatment, which could regulate hypothalamic appetite-related peptides expression and alleviate inflammation, thereby improving male offspring’s metabolic phenotype. The present study indicates that targeting the gut–brain axis through the mother may be an effective strategy to control the metabolic phenotype of offspring.
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13
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Tarry-Adkins JL, Robinson IG, Reynolds RM, Aye ILMH, Charnock-Jones DS, Jenkins B, Koulmann A, Ozanne SE, Aiken CE. Impact of Metformin Treatment on Human Placental Energy Production and Oxidative Stress. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:935403. [PMID: 35784487 PMCID: PMC9247405 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.935403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin is increasingly prescribed in pregnancy, with beneficial maternal effects. However, it is not known how metformin-treatment impacts metabolism and energy production in the developing feto-placental unit. We assessed the human placental response to metformin using both in vivo and in vitro treated samples. trophoblasts were derived from placentas collected from non-laboured Caesarean deliveries at term, then treated in vitro with metformin (0.01 mM, 0.1 mM or vehicle). Metformin-concentrations were measured using liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry. Oxygen consumption in cultured-trophoblasts was measured using a Seahorse-XF Mito Stress Test. Markers of oxidative-stress were assayed using qRT-PCR. Metformin-transporter mRNA and protein-levels were determined by quantitative RT-PCR and Western-blotting respectively. Metformin concentrations were also measured in sample trios (maternal plasma/fetal plasma/placental tissue) from pregnancies exposed to metformin on clinical-grounds. Maternal and fetal metformin concentrations in vivo were highly correlated over a range of concentrations (R2 = 0.76, p < 0.001; average fetal:maternal ratio 1.5; range 0.8-2.1). Basal respiration in trophoblasts was reduced by metformin treatment (0.01 mM metformin; p < 0.05, 0.1 mM metformin; p < 0.001). Mitochondrial-dependent ATP production and proton leak were reduced after treatment with metformin (p < 0.001). Oxidative stress markers were significantly reduced in primary-trophoblast-cultures following treatment with metformin. There is a close linear relationship between placental, fetal, and maternal metformin concentrations. Primary-trophoblast cultures exposed to clinically-relevant metformin concentrations have reduced mitochondrial-respiration, mitochondrial-dependent ATP-production, and reduced markers of oxidative-stress. Given the crucial role of placental energy-production in supporting fetal growth and well-being during pregnancy, the implications of these findings are concerning for intrauterine fetal growth and longer-term metabolic programming in metformin-exposed pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane L. Tarry-Adkins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - India G. Robinson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca M. Reynolds
- Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Irving L. M. H. Aye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - D. Stephen Charnock-Jones
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Jenkins
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Albert Koulmann
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Susan E. Ozanne
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine E. Aiken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Catherine E. Aiken,
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14
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Sandovici I, Fernandez-Twinn DS, Hufnagel A, Constância M, Ozanne SE. Sex differences in the intergenerational inheritance of metabolic traits. Nat Metab 2022; 4:507-523. [PMID: 35637347 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00570-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Strong evidence suggests that early-life exposures to suboptimal environmental factors, including those in utero, influence our long-term metabolic health. This has been termed developmental programming. Mounting evidence suggests that the growth and metabolism of male and female fetuses differ. Therefore, sexual dimorphism in response to pre-conception or early-life exposures could contribute to known sex differences in susceptibility to poor metabolic health in adulthood. However, until recently, many studies, especially those in animal models, focused on a single sex, or, often in the case of studies performed during intrauterine development, did not report the sex of the animal at all. In this review, we (a) summarize the evidence that male and females respond differently to a suboptimal pre-conceptional or in utero environment, (b) explore the potential biological mechanisms that underlie these differences and (c) review the consequences of these differences for long-term metabolic health, including that of subsequent generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ionel Sandovici
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Denise S Fernandez-Twinn
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Antonia Hufnagel
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Miguel Constância
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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15
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Hufnagel A, Dearden L, Fernandez-Twinn DS, Ozanne SE. Programming of cardiometabolic health: the role of maternal and fetal hyperinsulinaemia. J Endocrinol 2022; 253:R47-R63. [PMID: 35258482 PMCID: PMC9066586 DOI: 10.1530/joe-21-0332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and gestational diabetes during pregnancy have multiple short- and long-term consequences for both mother and child. One common feature of pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity and gestational diabetes is maternal hyperinsulinaemia, which has effects on the mother and her adaptation to pregnancy. Even though insulin does not cross the placenta insulin can act on the placenta as well affecting placental growth, angiogenesis and lipid metabolism. Obese and gestational diabetic pregnancies are often characterised by maternal hyperglycaemia resulting in exposure of the fetus to high levels of glucose, which freely crosses the placenta. This leads to stimulation of fetal ß-cells and insulin secretion in the fetus. Fetal hyperglycaemia/hyperinsulinaemia has been shown to cause multiple complications in fetal development, such as altered growth trajectories, impaired neuronal and cardiac development and early exhaustion of the pancreas. These changes could increase the susceptibility of the offspring to develop cardiometabolic diseases later in life. In this review, we aim to summarize and review the mechanisms by which maternal and fetal hyperinsulinaemia impact on (i) maternal health during pregnancy; (ii) placental and fetal development; (iii) offspring energy homeostasis and long-term cardiometabolic health; (iv) how interventions can alleviate these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Hufnagel
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Laura Dearden
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Denise S Fernandez-Twinn
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
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16
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Deng W, Li F, Ke H, Wang S, Li Z, Lv P, Chen Y. Effect of Metformin in Autistic BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J Mice Administered a High-Fat Diet. Brain Res Bull 2022; 183:172-183. [PMID: 35240246 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The biological mechanisms linking diet-related obesity and autism-related behaviors remain unclear. We aimed to characterize these interactions, focusing on gut microbiota, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels, and autistic behaviors in an animal model for autism; a high-fat diet (HFD) BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mouse. In this model, we also examined the medication effects of metformin (Met) which is known to ameliorate several symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).Therefore, we hypothesized that HFD exacerbates BTBR autistic symptoms, which can be alleviated by Met, and the effects are associated with serotonin and the microbiota. As expected, compared with mice fed a normal diet, ten-week HFD-fed mice showed increased body weight, adiposity, and glucose levels. HFD consumption markedly aggravated repetitive behaviors in the self-grooming test. Met reduced HFD-induced hyperactivity. Notably, HFD intervention rescued sociability in the three-chamber sociability test. Furthermore, HFD stimulated tryptophan production, which was inhibited by Met. In contrast, 5-HT levels were lower in the gut and higher in the cortex in the HFD group. Moreover, Met suppressed inflammation in the hippocampus of HFD-fed mice by significantly downregulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (NF-κB, IL-17A, and IL-6). HFD increased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, and Met supplementation decreased richness while increasing bacterial diversity. We found that the abundance of gut microbiota (Lachnoclostridium, Anaerotruncus, Mucispirillum, and Lactococcus) was correlated with behavior scores and 5-HT levels. Overall, HFD consumption improved sociality in BTBR mice, which was related to the modulation of 5-HT levels and the composition of the microbiota. Met did not show any significant positive effects on the autism phenotype associated with HFD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlin Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Department of Pediatrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510655, Guangzhou, China; Wenlin Deng, Fang Li, Haoran Ke and Siqi Wang are co-first authors
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology Endoscopy center, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China; Wenlin Deng, Fang Li, Haoran Ke and Siqi Wang are co-first authors
| | - Haoran Ke
- Department of Gastroenterology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Wenlin Deng, Fang Li, Haoran Ke and Siqi Wang are co-first authors
| | - Siqi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zitong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Pinjing Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ye Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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17
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Hafner H, Mulcahy MC, Carlson Z, Hartley P, Sun H, Westerhoff M, Qi N, Bridges D, Gregg B. Lactational High Fat Diet in Mice Causes Insulin Resistance and NAFLD in Male Offspring Which Is Partially Rescued by Maternal Metformin Treatment. Front Nutr 2021; 8:759690. [PMID: 34977118 PMCID: PMC8714922 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.759690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal metabolic disease and diet during pregnancy and lactation have important implications for the programming of offspring metabolic disease. In addition, high-fat diets during pregnancy and lactation can predispose the offspring to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a rising health threat in the U.S. We developed a model of maternal high-fat feeding exclusively during the lactation period. We previously showed that offspring from dams, given lactational high-fat diet (HFD), are predisposed to obesity, glucose intolerance, and inflammation. In separate experiments, we also showed that lactational metformin treatment can decrease offspring metabolic risk. The purpose of these studies was to understand the programming implications of lactational HFD on offspring metabolic liver disease risk. Dams were fed a 60% lard-based HFD from the day of delivery through the 21-day lactation period. A subset of dams was also given metformin as a co-treatment. Starting at weaning, the offspring were fed normal fat diet until 3 months of age; at which point, a subset was challenged with an additional HFD stressor. Lactational HFD led male offspring to develop hepatic insulin resistance. The post-weaning HFD challenge led male offspring to progress to NAFLD with more severe outcomes in the lactational HFD-challenged offspring. Co-administration of metformin to lactating dams on HFD partially rescued the offspring liver metabolic defects in males. Lactational HFD or post-weaning HFD had no impact on female offspring who maintained a normal insulin sensitivity and liver phenotype. These findings indicate that HFD, during the lactation period, programs the adult offspring to NAFLD risk in a sexually dimorphic manner. In addition, early life intervention with metformin via maternal exposure may prevent some of the liver programming caused by maternal HFD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Hafner
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Molly C. Mulcahy
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Zach Carlson
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Phillip Hartley
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Haijing Sun
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Maria Westerhoff
- Department of Pathology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Nathan Qi
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Dave Bridges
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Brigid Gregg
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Schoonejans JM, Ozanne SE. Developmental programming by maternal obesity: Lessons from animal models. Diabet Med 2021; 38:e14694. [PMID: 34553414 DOI: 10.1111/dme.14694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The obesity epidemic has led to more women entering pregnancy overweight or obese. In addition to adverse short-term outcomes, maternal obesity and/or gestational diabetes predispose offspring to developing obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adulthood through developmental programming. Human epidemiological studies, although vital in identifying associations, are often unable to address causality and mechanistic studies can be limited by the lack of accessibility of key metabolic tissues. Furthermore, multi-generational studies take many years to complete. Integration of findings from human studies with those from animal models has therefore been critical in moving forward this field that has been termed the 'Developmental Origins of Health and Disease'. This review summarises the evidence from animal models and highlights how animal models provide valuable insight into the maternal factors responsible for developmental programming, potential critical developmental windows, sexual dimorphism, molecular mechanisms and age-related offspring outcomes throughout life. Moreover, we describe how animal models are vital to explore clinically relevant interventions to prevent adverse offspring outcomes in obese or glucose intolerant pregnancy, such as antioxidant supplementation, exercise and maternal metformin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josca Mariëtte Schoonejans
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Susan Elizabeth Ozanne
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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19
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Quadir H. Current Therapeutic Use of Metformin During Pregnancy: Maternal Changes, Postnatal Effects and Safety. Cureus 2021; 13:e18818. [PMID: 34804675 PMCID: PMC8592788 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin is one of the most easily available medications for diabetes and has a relatively low cost. It is not only used in diabetes but is also effective in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and obesity. Although insulin is the first choice when it comes to treating pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), metformin has also been debated as a good choice after modification of diet. As metformin passes through the placenta, it is essential to know its consequence of leading to insulin resistance in the fetus as well as the impact on postnatal development. The use of metformin during GDM has raised many trials demonstrating that outcomes from the use of metformin are similar to those achieved with insulin. Follow-up studies were also conducted that assessed the impact on children exposed to metformin in utero. This review highlights the experimental evidence relating to the use of metformin during pregnancy for different conditions, and its impact on the growth and development of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huma Quadir
- Internal Medicine/Family Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA.,Neurology, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
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20
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Simmons R. Metformin in pregnancy: a re-examination of its safety. J Physiol 2021; 600:705-706. [PMID: 34762307 DOI: 10.1113/jp282324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Simmons
- Department of Paediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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