Beneficial Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Gestational Diabetes: Consequences in Macrosomia and Adulthood Obesity

Abstract

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are increasingly being used to prevent cardiovascular diseases, including diabetes and obesity. In this paper, we report data on the observed effects of omega-3 PUFA on major metabolic disorders and immune system disruption during gestational diabetes and their consequences on macrosomia. While controversies still exist about omega-3 PUFA effects on antioxidant status regarding the level of omega-3 PUFA in diet supplementation, their lipid-lowering effects are unanimously recognized by researchers. Animal studies have shown that omega-3 PUFA contributes to the maintenance of the immune defense system by promoting the differentiation of T helper (Th) cell to a Th2 phenotype in diabetic pregnancy and by shifting the Th1/Th2 ratio from a deleterious proinflammatory Th1 phenotype to a protective anti-inflammatory Th2 phenotype in macrosomia and in adulthood obesity that results from macrosomia at birth. Based on the available evidence, international nutritional and food agencies recommend administration of omega-3 PUFA as triglyceride-lowering agents, for the prevention of cardiovascular disease risk and during human pregnancy and lactation. Furthermore, studies targeting humans are still required to explore application of the fatty acids as supplement in the management of gestational diabetes and inflammatory and immune diseases.

Effects of Highly-pure-enriched-cellulose Diet on Digestibility, Lipid Metabolism and Redox Status in Obese Offspring of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

“…Gestational diabetes mellitus and obesity during pregnancy are both complication which significantly influence the development of offspring during fetal life and postnatal. Diabetic pregnancy appears to induce macrosomia that results in obesity in adulthood and these pathologies are associated with several metabolic disorders, implicating lipid metabolism and altered antioxidant status [1]. Indeed, previous studies have shown that maternal diabetes in human and rat is associated with increased risk of hyperlipidaemia [2,3], metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes in the offspring [3,4].…”

Relationship between dietary inflammatory index, hs-CRP level in the second trimester and neonatal birth weight: a cohort study

“…(2,3) HBW was closely related to childhood and adolescent obesity, which eventually leaded to the development of metabolic diseases in adulthood. (4,5) LBW may be a risk factor of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and kidney disease in adulthood. (6) Low-grade inflammation during pregnancy was associated with premature birth, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and LBW.…”

The Role of Lipids in Inflammation: Review of the Evolving Pathogenesis of Sickle Cell Disease

“…This has been shown by several studies in past in different patient groups, including SC [6] and diabetes, [55] where they have been noted to induce amelioration of the symptoms and improve well-being [56]. Dietary DHA and EPA, after incorporation into the cell membrane, have also been shown in previous studies to increase membrane fluidity and thus affect the activity of the transmembrane proteins [12].…”