Polyphenol Intake in Pregnant Women on Gestational Diabetes Risk and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Offspring: A Systematic Review

Late pregnancy maternal naringin supplementation affects the mitochondria in the cerebellum of Wistar rat offspring via sirtuin 3 and AKT

Dietary polyphenol consumption is associated with a wide range of neuroprotective effects by improving mitochondrial function and signaling. Consequently, the use of polyphenol supplementation has been investigated as an approach to prevent neurodevelopmental diseases during gestation; however, the data obtained are still very inconclusive, mostly because of the difficulty of choosing the correct doses and period of administration to properly prevent neurodegenerative diseases without undermining normal brain development. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effect of naringin supplementation during the third week of gestation on mitochondrial health and signaling in the cerebellum of 21-day-old offspring. The offspring born to naringin-supplemented dams displayed higher mitochondrial mass, membrane potential, and superoxide content in the cerebellum without protein oxidative damage. Such alterations were associated with dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) and phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) downregulation, whereas the sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) levels were strongly upregulated. Our findings suggest that high dietary polyphenol supplementation during gestation may reduce mitochondrial fission and affect mitochondrial dynamics even 3 weeks after delivery via SIRT3 and p-AKT. Although the offspring born to naringin dams did not present neurobehavioral defects, the mitochondrial alterations elicited by naringin may potentially interfere during neurodevelopment and need to be further investigated.

Gestational Diabetes and the Gut Microbiota: Fibre and Polyphenol Supplementation as a Therapeutic Strategy

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an escalating public health concern due to its association with short- and long-term adverse maternal and child health outcomes. Dysbiosis of microbiota within the gastrointestinal tract has been linked to the development of GDM. Modification of microbiota dysbiosis through dietary adjustments has attracted considerable attention as adjunct strategies to improve metabolic disease. Diets high in fibre and polyphenol content are associated with increased gut microbiota alpha diversity, reduced inflammation and oxidative processes and improved intestinal barrier function. This review explores the potential of fibre and polyphenol supplementation to prevent GDM by investigating their impact on gut microbiota composition and function.

From Ocean to Medicine: Harnessing Seaweed's Potential for Drug Development

Seaweed, a miscellaneous group of marine algae, has long been recognized for its rich nutritional composition and bioactive compounds, being considered nutraceutical ingredient. This revision delves into the promising role of seaweed-derived nutrients as a beneficial resource for drug discovery and innovative product development. Seaweeds are abundant sources of essential vitamins, minerals, polysaccharides, polyphenols, and unique secondary metabolites, which reveal a wide range of biological activities. These bioactive compounds possess potential therapeutic properties, making them intriguing candidates for drug leads in various medical applications and pharmaceutical drug development. It explores their pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities, shedding light on their potential as therapeutic agents. Moreover, the manuscript provides insights into the development of formulation strategies and delivery systems to enhance the bioavailability and stability of seaweed-derived compounds. The manuscript also discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with the integration of seaweed-based nutrients into the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Regulatory considerations, sustainability, and scalability of sustainable seaweed sourcing and cultivation methods are addressed, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach in harnessing seaweed's potential. This revision underscores the immense potential of seaweed-derived compounds as a valuable reservoir for drug leads and product development. By bridging the gap between marine biology, pharmacology, and product formulation, this research contributes to the critical advancement of sustainable and innovative solutions in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors.

Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Induced by Obesity, Gestational Diabetes, and Preeclampsia in Pregnancy: Role of High-Density Lipoproteins as Vectors for Bioactive Compounds

Inflammation and oxidative stress are essential components in a myriad of pathogenic entities that lead to metabolic and chronic diseases. Moreover, inflammation in its different phases is necessary for the initiation and maintenance of a healthy pregnancy. Therefore, an equilibrium between a necessary/pathologic level of inflammation and oxidative stress during pregnancy is needed to avoid disease development. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are important for a healthy pregnancy and a good neonatal outcome. Their role in fetal development during challenging situations is vital for maintaining the equilibrium. However, in certain conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and other cardiovascular diseases, it has been observed that HDL loses its protective properties, becoming dysfunctional. Bioactive compounds have been widely studied as mediators of inflammation and oxidative stress in different diseases, but their mechanisms of action are still unknown. Nonetheless, these agents, which are obtained from functional foods, increase the concentration of HDL, TRC, and antioxidant activity. Therefore, this review first summarizes several mechanisms of HDL participation in the equilibrium between inflammation and oxidative stress. Second, it gives an insight into how HDL may act as a vector for bioactive compounds. Third, it describes the relationships between the inflammation process in pregnancy and HDL activity. Consequently, different databases were used, including MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scopus, where scientific articles published in the English language up to 2023 were identified.

Effects of dietary polyphenols on maternal and fetal outcomes in maternal diabetes

The incidences of short-term or long-term adverse maternal and fetal outcomes caused by maternal diabetes are increasing. Due to toxicity or side effects, economic pressures, and other problems associated with injections or oral hypoglycemic drugs, many researchers have investigated natural treatment methods. Polyphenols can protect against chronic pathologies by regulating numerous physiological processes and provide many health benefits. Moreover, polyphenols have anti-diabetic properties and can be used to treat diabetic complications. Diets rich in polyphenols are beneficial to pregnant women with diabetes. Here, we review the epidemiological and experimental evidence on the impact of dietary polyphenols on maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with diabetes, and the effects of polyphenols on biological changes and possible mechanisms. Previous data (mainly from in vitro and animal experiments) showed that polyphenols can alleviate gestational diabetes mellitus and diabetic embryopathy by reducing maternal hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress, and regulating related signaling pathways. Although polyphenols have shown many health benefits, further research is needed to better understand the complex interactions between polyphenols and maternal diabetes.

[Association between maternal gestational diabetes mellitus and the risk of autism spectrum disorder in offspring]

OBJECTIVES

To explore the association between maternal gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) exposure and the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted, recruiting 221 children with ASD and 400 healthy children as controls. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect information on general characteristics of the children, socio-economic characteristics of the family, maternal pregnancy history, and maternal disease exposure during pregnancy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between maternal GDM exposure and the development of ASD in offspring. The potential interaction between offspring gender and maternal GDM exposure on the development of ASD in offspring was explored.

RESULTS

The proportion of maternal GDM was significantly higher in the ASD group compared to the control group (16.3% vs 9.4%, P=0.014). After adjusting for variables such as gender, gestational age, mode of delivery, parity, and maternal education level, maternal GDM exposure was a risk factor for ASD in offspring (OR=2.18, 95%CI: 1.04-4.54, P=0.038). On the basis of adjusting the above variables, after further adjusting the variables including prenatal intake of multivitamins, folic acid intake in the first three months of pregnancy, and assisted reproduction the result trend did not change, but no statistical significance was observed (OR=1.94, 95%CI: 0.74-5.11, P=0.183). There was an interaction between maternal GDM exposure and offspring gender on the development of ASD in offspring (P<0.001). Gender stratified analysis showed that only in male offspring of mothers with GDM, the risk of ASD was significantly increased (OR=3.67, 95%CI: 1.16-11.65, P=0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal GDM exposure might increase the risk of ASD in offspring. There is an interaction between GDM exposure and offspring gender in the development of ASD in offspring.

Therapeutic Potential of Polyphenols and Other Micronutrients of Marine Origin

Polyphenols are compounds found in various plants and foods, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently, researchers have been exploring the therapeutic potential of marine polyphenols and other minor nutrients that are found in algae, fish and crustaceans. These compounds have unique chemical structures and exhibit diverse biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antitumor action. Due to these properties, marine polyphenols are being investigated as possible therapeutic agents for the treatment of a wide variety of conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. This review focuses on the therapeutic potential of marine polyphenols and their applications in human health, and also, in marine phenolic classes, the extraction methods, purification techniques and future applications of marine phenolic compounds.

Dietary Polyphenols as a Protection against Cognitive Decline: Evidence from Animal Experiments; Mechanisms and Limitations

Emerging evidence suggests that cognitive impairments may result from various factors, such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, impaired neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, amyloid β protein (Aβ) deposition, and gut dysbiosis. Meanwhile, dietary polyphenol intake in a recommended dosage has been suggested to reverse cognitive dysfunction via various pathways. However, excessive intake of polyphenols could trigger unwanted adverse effects. Thus, this review aims to outline possible causes of cognitive impairments and how polyphenols alleviate memory loss via various pathways based on in vivo experimental studies. Thus, to identify potentially relevant articles, the keywords (1) nutritional polyphenol intervention NOT medicine AND neuron growth OR (2) dietary polyphenol AND neurogenesis AND memory impairment OR (3) polyphenol AND neuron regeneration AND memory deterioration (Boolean operators) were used in the Nature, PubMed, Scopus, and Wiley online libraries. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 36 research papers were selected to be further reviewed. The outcome of all the studies included supports the statement of appropriate dosage by taking into consideration gender differences, underlying conditions, lifestyle, and causative factors for cognitive decline, which will significantly boost memory power. Therefore, this review recapitulates the possible causes of cognitive decline, the mechanism of polyphenols involving various signaling pathways in modulating the memory, gut dysbiosis, endogenous antioxidants, bioavailability, dosage, and safety efficacy of polyphenols. Hence, this review is expected to provide a basic understanding of therapeutic development for cognitive impairments in the future.

Common pregnancy complications and polyphenols intake: an overview

During pregnancy, the body undergoes a great amount of changes in order to support a healthy developing fetus. In this context, maternal dietary supplementation is widely encouraged to provide adequate nutrition for the newborn. In the past few years, studies have emerged highlighting the benefits of polyphenols intake during pregnancy. Indeed, despite differences among reports, such as experimental model, polyphenol employed, dosage and regimen of administration, there is no doubt that the ingestion of these molecules has a protective effect in relation to three pregnancy-associated diseases or conditions: preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and fetal growth restriction. In this review, we describe the effects of different polyphenols and polyphenol-rich extracts or juices on the main outcomes of these common pregnancy-associated complications, obtained in human, animal and in vitro studies. Therefore, this work provides a critical analysis of the literature, and a summary of evidences, from which future research using polyphenols can be designed and evaluated.

The Role of Dietary Polyphenols in Pregnancy and Pregnancy-Related Disorders

Polyphenols are a group of phytochemicals with extensive biological functions and health-promoting potential. These compounds are present in most foods of plant origin and their increased widespread availability through the intake of nutritional supplements, fortified foods, and beverages, has also led to increased exposure throughout gestation. In this narrative review, we focus on the role of polyphenols in both healthy and pathological pregnancy. General information related to their classification and function is followed by an overview of their known effects in early-pregnancy events, including the current insights into molecular mechanisms involved. Further, we provide an overview of their involvement in some of the most common pregnancy-associated pathological conditions, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus. Additionally, we also discuss the estimated possible risk of polyphenol consumption on pregnancy outcomes. The consumption of dietary polyphenols during pregnancy needs particular attention considering the possible effects of polyphenols on the mechanisms involved in maternal adaptation and fetal development. Further studies are strongly needed to unravel the in vivo effects of polyphenol metabolites during pregnancy, as well as their role on advanced maternal age, prenatal nutrition, and metabolic risk of the offspring.