Omega-3 fatty acids prevent gestational diabetes mellitus via modulating lipid metabolism

Abstract

Background The incidence rate of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is still high among pregnant women in the second trimester of pregnancy. This study explored the therapeutic effects of omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FAs) on GDM at the cellular and animal levels. Methods THP1 cells were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) to induce M0 macrophage. The transformation of M0 macrophages into M2 macrophages was observed after ω-3 FAs treatment. Then, macrophages induced by ω-3 FAs were co-cultured with hepatocytes HepG2, and the glycolipid metabolism in hepatocytes was assessed. By establishing a GDM mouse model, the impact of ω-3 FAs on liver function in GDM pregnant mice and offspring was evaluated. Results At the cellular level, we found that ω-3 FAs can promote the transformation of M0 macrophages into anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, and the transformed M2 macrophages can prevent excessive accumulation of lipid droplet in hepatocyte cell line HepG2, by promoting β-oxidation and reducing lipid synthesis of hepatocyte, thereby protecting hepatic function. Supplementation of ω-3 FAs in pregnant GDM mice significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels, GTT and ITT indexes, and lipid accumulation in the liver, and effectively prevented liver fibrosis. ω-3 FAs also had positive effects on the offspring of GDM pregnant mice, demonstrated by reducing birth mortality and improving glycemic stabilization. Conclusion This study suggests that ω-3 FAs prevent GDM via modulating lipid metabolism and may provide a strategy for translational medicine that can treat GDM and offspring.