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Adipose tissue function in healthy pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus and pre-eclampsia

Cara Trivett1, Zoe J Lees1, Dilys J Freeman2

  • 1Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|June 16, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Maternal obesity increases risks for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pre-eclampsia. Adipocyte dysfunction may play a key role in these pregnancy complications, warranting further investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Adipose Tissue Biology

Background:

  • Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pre-eclampsia are significant pregnancy complications with increasing incidence, linked to maternal obesity.
  • Maternal obesity is a known risk factor for GDM and pre-eclampsia.
  • The specific role of adipose tissue and adipocyte biology in the development of these conditions is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current data on adipose tissue and adipocyte function in healthy, obese, GDM, and pre-eclamptic pregnancies.
  • To discuss the potential role of adipocyte dysfunction in the pathophysiology of GDM and pre-eclampsia.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on adipose tissue and adipocyte function.
  • Analysis of data from healthy, obese, GDM, and pre-eclamptic pregnancies.
  • Extrapolation of findings from non-pregnant populations to pregnancy complications.

Main Results:

  • Adipose tissue and adipocyte function are altered in obese pregnancies compared to healthy pregnancies.
  • These alterations are further modified in the context of GDM and pre-eclampsia.
  • Evidence suggests underlying adipocyte dysfunction contributes to the pathological pathways of GDM and pre-eclampsia.

Conclusions:

  • Adipocyte dysfunction is a potential contributing factor to the development of gestational diabetes mellitus and pre-eclampsia.
  • Further research into adipocyte biology is crucial for understanding and potentially mitigating these pregnancy disorders.
  • Targeting adipocyte function may offer novel therapeutic strategies for managing GDM and pre-eclampsia.

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