Abstract
Th (T helper) cells are differentiated into either Th1 or Th2 phenotype. It is generally considered that Th1 phenotype is proinflammatory, whereas Th2 phenotype exerts anti-inflammatory or protective effects. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been associated with a decreased Th1 phenotype, whereas macrosomia is marked with high expression of Th1 cytokines. Besides, these two pathological situations are marked with high concentrations of inflammatory mediators like tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), known to play a pivotal role in insulin resistance. Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) may exert a beneficial effect by shifting Th1/Th2 balance to a Th2 phenotype and increasing insulin sensitivity. In this paper, we shed light on the role of T-cell malfunction that leads to an inflammatory and pathophysiological state, related to insulin resistance in GDM and macrosomia. We will also discuss the nutritional management of these pathologies by dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).
Highlights
Called gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), is an important risk factor for foetal overgrowth, termed macrosomia, which is influenced by maternal hyperglycemia and endocrine status through placental circulation [1]
Both in 100% and in 0% calcium media, TG-induced increases in [Ca2+]i in T-cells are higher in GDM dames and macrosomic rats than those in control animals [27], demonstrating that T-cell calcium signaling is altered in these two pathological situations
We have reported that tumor necrosis factorα (TNF-α) and IL-6 are increased in GDM women [39]
Summary
Called gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), is an important risk factor for foetal overgrowth, termed macrosomia, which is influenced by maternal hyperglycemia and endocrine status through placental circulation [1]. Macrosomia has generally been defined as a birth weight greater than or equal to the 90th percentile birth weight for gestational age, that is, infants who weigh >4000 g at delivery, regardless of gestational age or sex [2,3,4]. Infants born to diabetic mothers are at an increased risk for hypoglycaemia, respiratory distress syndrome, hyperbilirubinemia, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy [3]. There exists a correlationship between maternal and foetal plasma cholesterol levels in 5-6-month-old human foetuses [5, 6]. It is noteworthy that several alterations in the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, observed in newborn babies of diabetic mothers, persist postnatally [7,8,9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
