An Interplay between Obesity and Inflammation in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is traditionally defined as hyperglycemia first detected in pregnancy. The risk of GDM is much higher among obese women than in their lean counterparts. An excess of adipose tissue leads to immune and inflammatory responses of both white adipose tissue and the placenta, contributing to systemic inflammation. Although the significance of both obesity and inflammation is relatively well characterized in GDM, the molecular mechanisms involved are not fully defined and require further study. In recent years huge progress has been made in identifying the intracellular signaling pathways involved in the pathophysiology of GDM. However, currently available data regarding inflammation and obesity in women with GDM are still conflicting or incomplete. We discuss selected aspects of the problem and propose future directions for research in the hope of achieving a better understanding of the disease. In particular, this review highlights recent studies exploring molecular alterations related to insulin resistance, inflammation of the adipose tissue and the placenta, lipotoxicity or endotoxemia.

Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Zinc, and Chromium Levels in Alcohol Use Disorder: A Review

“…Currently, it is believed that the toxic effects of alcohol on organs are mainly associated with the activity of alcohol metabolites, induction of oxidative stress, and translocation of intestinal endotoxins into the bloodstream [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. These processes lead to cell damage and stimulation of inflammatory reactions releasing a large number of cytokines, among others such as TNF-alpha and IL-6 [ 21 , 22 ].…”

Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 4—An “Inauspicious” Adipokine—In Serum and Urine of Post-Partum Women with Excessive Gestational Weight Gain and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

“…According to the current state of scientific knowledge, pre-pregnancy obesity and excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG) as well as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have been regarded as independent risk factors for post-partum complications in both mothers and their children, which will subsequently lead to an increased risk of chronic diseases later in their lives [1,2,3,4,5]. It has been observed that women with a previous history of GDM and EGWG are much more prone to suffer from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and metabolic syndrome in the future [1,2,3,4,5].…”

Ghrelin in Serum and Urine of Post-Partum Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

“…The exact worldwide prevalence of GDM remains unknown, as systematically synthesized data on this issue are lacking, and the only available information is that the prevalence of GDM largely differs among countries and may even be different in the regions of the same country, ranging from 0.6% to 15%, depending on the ethnicity and socio-economic status of the studied individuals [ 2 ]. Women with a previous history of GDM have a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the future [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]. The risk of developing diabetes is 9.6 times greater for patients with GDM, with the cumulative risk being 25% 15 years post-diagnosis [ 6 ].…”