Maternal resveratrol supplementation in gestational diabetes prevents cardio-metabolic disease development and improves cardiac structure in the rat offspring

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Date
2018
Authors
Brawerman, Gabriel Martin
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Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a common complication of pregnancy, arises during the third trimester and is characterized by hyperglycemia. GDM increases cardio-metabolic disease risk in mothers and offspring. Current treatments have disadvantages. Resveratrol (RESV), a naturally produced polyphenol, has anti-oxidant and positive metabolic health effects. Thus, we hypothesized that RESV supplementation during the third trimester and lactation would improve maternal glucose tolerance and prevent cardio-metabolic disease in the offspring. A diet-induced GDM model was utilized for this thesis. Different metabolic tests were performed. Echocardiography was used to assess cardiac structure and function. Immunoblotting, qPCR and cardiomyocyte isolations were performed to study mechanisms. RESV supplementation prevented maternal glucose intolerance and cardio-metabolic disease development in the offspring by improving glucose homeostasis and inhibiting cardiac remodelling. Supplementing maternal diets with RESV at the onset of GDM may become a newer intervention to protect mothers and their offspring from GDM-induced short and long-term consequences.
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Gestational diabetes mellitus, Resveratrol, Developmental origins of health and disease, Offspring health, Cardio-metabolic disease
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