Related Experiment Videos
Modifications induced by gestational diabetes mellitus on cellular membrane properties
L Mazzanti1, R Staffolani, R A Rabini
1Institute of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Ancona, Italy.
Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) alters erythrocyte and placental membrane properties, showing reduced enzymatic activity and fluidity. These changes, particularly decreased Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity, may indicate a higher risk for developing diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Erythrocyte plasma membrane alterations are noted in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).
- Investigating these changes in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is crucial for understanding its impact on maternal and fetal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma membrane property alterations in erythrocytes (maternal and cord blood) and placental syncytiotrophoblast cells of women with GDM.
- To compare these alterations with those observed in healthy pregnant women.
Main Methods:
- Studied plasma membranes from erythrocytes (mother and cord blood) and placenta syncytiotrophoblast cells.
- Assessed Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity, acetyl-cholinesterase (AchE) activity, membrane fluidity, and cholesterol:phospholipid ratio.
- Compared measurements between 15 women with GDM and 16 healthy pregnant women.
Main Results:
- Reduced Na+/K(+)-ATPase and AchE activities and decreased membrane fluidity were observed in maternal erythrocytes, cord blood erythrocytes, and placental membranes of women with GDM.
- Cholesterol:phospholipid ratio decreased in maternal erythrocytes but increased in cord blood erythrocytes and placental membranes in GDM patients compared to controls.
- GDM exhibited membrane alterations similar to IDDM/NIDDM (decreased Na+/K(+)-ATPase) but also distinct modifications.
Conclusions:
- GDM induces significant alterations in erythrocyte and placental plasma membrane properties.
- Reduced Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity in GDM may be an early indicator of diabetes pathogenesis and a risk factor for future diabetes development.
- Observed differences in membrane alterations between GDM and other diabetes types might relate to metabolic control levels.