Protection against health problems in gestational diabetes

Enzyme of fat metabolism to protect against gestational diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most common comorbidities in pregnancy. It represents an increased health risk for both the expectant mother and the unborn child. Researchers have now discovered that an enzyme of lipid metabolism could protect mother and child in gestational diabetes from harm to health.

One of the most common comorbidities of pregnancy

Gestational diabetes is one of the most common comorbidities of pregnancy, and this sugar metabolism disorder can also have an adverse effect on the subsequent life of the mother and child. Researchers from Austria have now discovered a mechanism that could protect the placenta and the unborn child in gestational diabetes. The study results were recently published in the journal "Nature Scientific Reports".

Gestational diabetes is one of the most common comorbidities of pregnancy. It can have disabling effects on the later life of mother and child. Researchers have now discovered that a particular enzyme could protect against damage to health. (Image: Mediteraneo / fotolia.com)

Effects on the later life of mother and child

About five percent of all pregnancies in Europe are accompanied by the onset of gestational diabetes.

Although the disease can often be controlled by a healthy diet and exercise, it can also affect the later life of the mother and baby.

Both of them are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus or other metabolic disorders later in life.

However, this danger can be significantly reduced for the mother by a "lifestyle change after pregnancy", the German Diabetes Association writes in a patient guideline.

In addition to weight normalization, this also includes a lot of exercise or sports and a healthy, balanced diet with low fat content, plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables.

For thirst quenching, it is important to focus on water instead of sugary drinks or soft drinks.

Protein could protect placenta and unborn baby

As part of a scientific work, a research group from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Medical University of Graz (Austria) has now tried to understand those mechanisms in the womb that negatively or positively affect the unborn child in gestational diabetes.

The scientists around Assoz.-Prof. PD Mag. Christian Wadsack has studied a protein that may protect the mother cake (placenta) and the unborn child from gestational diabetes and counteract pathological changes.

The protein "lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LpPLA2)" has been well studied in conditions such as atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis), but controversial is its controversy as to whether its activity favors or counteracts inflammatory processes.

Enzyme activity was enhanced

"Even today, little is known about the regulation of its production and activity," said Christian Wadsack in a statement from the university.

After LpPLA2 is produced almost exclusively by immune cells called macrophages, macrophages from the placenta of women with gestational diabetes and healthy pregnant women were isolated and cultured in the present study.

"It showed that cells from diabetic placentas had more LpPLA2 enzyme activity, even without stimulation," said the expert.

Subsequently, the cells were then stimulated with stimuli as they occur physiologically in an inflammatory, diabetic micro-environment.

It was shown that a high insulin level and high concentrations of pro-inflammatory messengers enhanced the enzyme activity. Conversely, enzyme activity was reduced when the cells were exposed to anti-inflammatory messengers.

Unclear whether new findings can be transferred to adults

Because LpPLA2 is transported in the bloodstream by lipoproteins, such as "bad" LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or "good" HDL (high-density lipoprotein), it has been suggested that its positive or negative effect on inflammation may depend on the carrier.

"Because HDL predominates as a lipoprotein in the unborn baby, we wanted to find out how the enzyme affects the functional properties of HDL," Wadsack explained.

It was interesting to note that LpPLA2 activity was increased in the blood of newborns of diabetic pregnancies.

To show that this increased enzyme activity also affects the properties of HDL, an inhibitor was used - a substance that inhibits LpPLA2, so that it can not exert its effect.

It was shown that HDL-LpPLA2 firstly has an anti-oxidative effect, thus counteracts oxidative stress. Second, HDL-LpPLA2 apparently supports the barrier function of those cells that line our blood vessels.

"As a result, LpPLA2 may protect the vessels in the placenta and the child from pathological changes that often occur in diabetes," concludes first author Carolin Schliefsteiner, who ran the study as part of her PhD thesis.

At least in the newborn, HDP-bound LpPLA2 appears to have anti-inflammatory, protective effects.

Whether this knowledge can be transferred to adults, for example diabetics with vascular diseases or arteriosclerosis patients, is still unclear. (Ad)