Contribution of maternal diabetes to visceral fat accumulation in offspring

Genetic and epidemiological studies provide evidence supporting the contribution of a genetic background of diabetes to the development of obesity and further suggest differences in the metabolic and cardiovascular risks between offspring with a paternal versus maternal family history of diabetes (FHD). The goal of this study was to explore the contribution of a parental FHD to visceral fat area (VFA).

This study enrolled 1875 subjects with normal glucose tolerance (age range: 20-78 years). VFA was assessed with magnetic resonance imaging.

The study population consisted of 1573 subjects without a FHD, 115 subjects with a paternal FHD, and 187 subjects with a maternal FHD. For both genders, VFA was greater in offspring with a maternal FHD compared with those without a FHD (both P<0.05). For both genders, only VFA was an independent factor associated with a maternal FHD (both P<0.01). Compared with those without a FHD, men and women with a maternal FHD, but not those with a paternal FHD, were more likely to develop abdominal obesity (both P<0.05). After adjustment for independent factors related to VFA, VFA was increased by 9.60cm² (standardized β=0.069, P=0.012) and 4.57cm² (standardized β=0.056, P=0.007) in men and women with a maternal FHD, respectively.

A maternal FHD contributed to visceral fat accumulation independently in both genders. Maternal transmission had a pronounced effect on obesity and related cardiovascular risk factors.