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Congenital anomalies in diabetic pregnancy
1Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Biomedical Center, PO Box 571, SE-75123 Uppsala, Sweden. ulf.eriksson@mcb.uu.se
Insights
Infants born to diabetic mothers have higher rates of congenital malformations. Research aims to understand the teratogenic process for prevention, with potential therapies including antioxidants and folic acid.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Developmental Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Congenital malformations occur more frequently in infants of diabetic women compared to non-diabetic women.
- Understanding the causes and prevention of these malformations is crucial for improving pregnancy outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the teratogenic process underlying diabetes-induced congenital malformations.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for intervention during diabetic pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical and basic research studies on diabetes and congenital malformations.
- Analysis of emerging research on genetic predisposition and molecular targets.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests early gestational induction of malformations in diabetic pregnancies.
- The teratogenic process is multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental factors.
- Potential therapeutic targets include antioxidants, folic acid, and interventions related to identified genes.
Conclusions:
- Maternal diabetes significantly increases the risk of congenital malformations.
- Further research is needed to confirm the efficacy and optimal use of antioxidants and folic acid.
- Identification of specific genes and pathways involved may lead to novel preventive strategies.
Abstract:
Congenital malformations are more common in infants of diabetic women than in children of non-diabetic women. The etiology, pathogenesis and prevention of the diabetes-induced malformations have spurred considerable clinical and basic research efforts. The ultimate aim of these studies has been to obtain an understanding of the teratogenic process, which may enable precise preventive therapeutic measures in diabetic pregnancies. The results of the clinical and basic studies support the view of an early gestational induction of the malformations in diabetic pregnancy by a teratogenic process of multifactorial etiology. There may be possible targets for new therapeutic efforts revealed by the research work. Thus, future additions to the therapeutic efforts may include supplementation with antioxidants and/or folic acid, although more research is needed to delineate the dosages and compounds to be used. As the research into genetic predisposition for the teratogenic induction of malformations by maternal diabetes starts to reveal new genes and gene products involved in the etiology of the malformations, a set of new targets for intervention may arise.
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