Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) results in reduced docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) transfer to the fetus, likely due to placental dysfunction. Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) is a nutrient sensor and regulator of lipid metabolism. This study investigated whether the high glucose and insulin condition of GDM regulates DHA transfer and expression of fatty acid transporters and if this effect is related to SIRT1 expression and function. Syncytialized primary human trophoblasts were treated with and without glucose (25 mmol/L) and insulin (10−7 mol/L) for 72 h to mimic the insulin-resistance conditions of GDM pregnancies. In control conditions, DHA transfer across trophoblasts increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Exposure to GDM conditions significantly decreased DHA transfer, but increased triglyceride accumulation and fatty acid transporter expression (CD36, FABP3, and FABP4). GDM conditions significantly suppressed SIRT1 mRNA and protein expression. The SIRT1 inhibitor decreased DHA transfer across control trophoblasts, and recombinant SIRT1 and SIRT1 activators restored the decreased DHA transport induced by GDM conditions. The results demonstrate a novel role of SIRT1 in the regulation of DHA transfer across trophoblasts. The suppressed SIRT1 expression and the resultant decrease in placental DHA transfer caused by high glucose and insulin levels suggest new insights of molecular mechanisms linking GDM to fetal DHA deficiency.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.