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Adverse effects of high glucose levels on somite and limb development in avian embryos

Yao Chen1, Guang Wang1, Zheng-lai Ma1

  • 1Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Division of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.

Food and Chemical Toxicology : an International Journal Published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association
|June 3, 2014
PubMed

Insights

High glucose levels during pregnancy impair fetal musculoskeletal development, affecting somite and limb bud formation. This study suggests Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and Wnt genes are involved in these adverse effects.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Embryology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Gestational diabetes adversely affects fetal musculoskeletal development.
  • The precise mechanisms underlying these developmental issues remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of high glucose on somite and limb bud development in chick embryos.
  • To explore the role of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and Wnt signaling pathways in high glucose-induced developmental defects.

Main Methods:

  • Chick embryo model exposed to high glucose conditions.
  • Analysis of somite number and morphology.
  • Assessment of limb bud development, including sclerotome and cartilage.
  • Examination of Shh and Wnt3a gene expression via molecular techniques.
  • Immunofluorescent staining (MF20) to evaluate myotome formation.

Main Results:

  • High glucose reduced somite generation and altered their morphology.
  • Limb bud development, sclerotome, and cartilage formation were repressed under high glucose.
  • Shh expression in the sclerotome and Wnt3a expression in the neural tube were significantly inhibited.
  • Myotome formation was impaired in high glucose-treated embryos.

Conclusions:

  • High glucose concentrations negatively impact embryonic somite and limb bud development.
  • Shh and Wnt signaling pathways are implicated in the mechanism of high glucose-induced developmental abnormalities.
  • The chick embryo model provides insights into gestational diabetes-related fetal developmental issues.

Keywords:
Chick embryosDiabetesHigh glucoseLimb budSomite

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