Immunoendocrine Dysregulation during Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: The Central Role of the Placenta

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences Vol. 22; no. 15; p. 8087
• Main Authors: Olmos-Ortiz, Andrea, Flores-Espinosa, Pilar, Díaz, Lorenza, Velázquez, Pilar, Ramírez-Isarraraz, Carlos, Zaga-Clavellina, Verónica
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.08.2021; MDPI
• Subjects: Adaptation; adipokines; Angiogenesis; antimicrobial peptides; Autophagy; Carbohydrates; cytokines; Diabetes mellitus; Endothelial cells; Fetuses; Genes; Gestational diabetes; Glucose; Growth hormones; Hyperglycemia; inflammation; Insulin; Insulin resistance; Insulin-like growth factors; Intolerance; Kinases; Lipids; metabolic stress; Metabolism; Mothers; Oxidative stress; Pancreas; Phosphorylation; Placenta; Pregnancy; Proteins; Review; Transcription factors
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158087

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a transitory metabolic condition caused by dysregulation triggered by intolerance to carbohydrates, dysfunction of beta-pancreatic and endothelial cells, and insulin resistance during pregnancy. However, this disease includes not only changes related to metabolic distress but also placental immunoendocrine adaptations, resulting in harmful effects to the mother and fetus. In this review, we focus on the placenta as an immuno-endocrine organ that can recognize and respond to the hyperglycemic environment. It synthesizes diverse chemicals that play a role in inflammation, innate defense, endocrine response, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis, all associated with different perinatal outcomes.