Relaxin as an aetiological factor in diabetic embryopathy
1Cleft Palate Research Unit, University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Lancet (London, England)
|June 25, 1988
Summary
Diabetic embryopathy may stem from altered relaxin secretion during fetal development. This hormone
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Developmental Biology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Relaxin, an insulin homologue, influences collagen metabolism.
- Collagen alterations are implicated in teratogenic effects and developmental abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of relaxin in diabetic embryopathy.
- To explore the link between relaxin secretion and fetal organogenesis disturbances.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on relaxin, collagen, and diabetic embryopathy.
- Analysis of hormonal secretion patterns during critical developmental windows.
Main Results:
- Relaxin's effects on collagen mimic those of known teratogenic agents.
- Disturbances in relaxin secretion are hypothesized to impact fetal organ development.
Conclusions:
- Altered relaxin secretion during fetal organogenesis may contribute to diabetic embryopathy.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the direct causal link between relaxin and diabetic embryopathy.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
01:27Diabetic Retinopathy
DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...
01:28Diabetic Nephropathy
Definition Diabetic nephropathy is a chronic kidney complication that results from prolonged hyperglycemia.Prevalence It is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide, affecting up to half of individuals with diabetes.Pathophysiology • Sustained hyperglycemia triggers multiple hemodynamic and metabolic changes in the kidney. • Early in the disease, increased renal blood flow and glomerular hyperfiltration occur due to afferent arteriolar...
01:22Diabetic Neuropathy
DefinitionDiabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by long-standing diabetes mellitus. It results directly from prolonged high blood sugar levels.PathophysiologyThe pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy involves both metabolic and vascular disturbances triggered by chronic hyperglycemia.Metabolic injury: Elevated glucose levels activate the polyol pathway within nerve cells, leading to the accumulation of sorbitol and fructose. This increases oxidative stress, disrupts normal nerve...