Role of adipose tissue in regulating fetal growth in gestational diabetes mellitus.

Caitlyn Nguyen-Ngo, Nanthini Jayabalan, Polin Haghvirdizadeh, Carlos Salomon, Martha Lappas

Journal: Placenta 2021;102():39-48

PMID: 33218577

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a global health issue with significant short and long-term complications for both mother and baby. There is a strong need to identify an effective therapeutic that can prevent the development of GDM. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of GDM and the relationship between the adipose tissue, the placenta and fetal growth is required. The placenta regulates fetal growth by modulating nutrient transfer of glucose, amino acids and fatty acids. Various factors secreted by the adipose tissue, such as adipokines, adipocytokines and more recently identified extracellular vesicles, can influence inflammation and interact with placental nutrient transport. In this review, the role of the placental nutrient transporters and the adipose-derived factors that can influence their function will be discussed. A better understanding of these factors and their relationship may make a potential target for therapeutic interventions to prevent the development of GDM and its consequences.

Address: Mercy Perinatal Research Centre, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia; Obstetrics, Nutrition and Endocrinology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.; Obstetrics, Nutrition and Endocrinology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Exosome Biology Laboratory, Centre for Clinical Diagnostics, The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.; Exosome Biology Laboratory, Centre for Clinical Diagnostics, The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile.; Mercy Perinatal Research Centre, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia; Obstetrics, Nutrition and Endocrinology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.05.006

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MeSH Terms: Adipose Tissue, Diabetes, Gestational, Female, Fetal Development, Humans, Placenta, Pregnancy