by A groundbreaking study by UCLA scientists has shed light on the effects of maternal diabetes on fetal metabolism and development. The study, published in the journal Cell, utilized a pioneering technique to trace carbon-13 in fetal tissues, providing valuable insights into the impact of maternal hyperglycemia on the fetus.
Pregnant women with diabetes face an increased risk of preterm birth, stillbirth, and congenital defects in their babies’ brain and heart. For example, diabetic mothers are five times more likely to give birth to infants with cardiovascular defects. However, the underlying reasons for these complications have remained unclear.
The UCLA study aimed to address this knowledge gap by examining how elevated levels of glucose in maternal blood affect fetal tissue metabolism during development in utero. Using a mouse research model that mimics diabetic pregnancies, the researchers exposed the fetuses to high glucose levels and traced the carbon-13 in their tissues.
During the mid-to-late stages of gestation, the scientists analyzed metabolites and metabolic activities in the placenta, fetal brain, heart, and liver. They focused on the most common metabolites while also conducting a broader, untargeted metabolomic analysis of the metabolites that exhibited the greatest changes throughout development.
This comprehensive study establishes a solid foundation for investigating the impacts of diabetic pregnancies on fetal health during crucial periods of organ formation. The researchers documented the changes in metabolic profiles as fetal organs developed in utero and identified alterations in metabolic activity in the fetuses of diabetic mothers.
The data generated from this study provides a valuable resource for future research on fetal metabolism, particularly in the context of diabetes. Researchers can mine this wealth of information to advance our understanding and ultimately identify targeted treatments to improve the outcomes for babies born to diabetic mothers.
These findings offer hope for identifying specific interventions that could enhance the chances of diabetic mothers delivering healthy infants. By unraveling the complexities of maternal diabetes on fetal metabolism and development, researchers are paving the way for improved prenatal care and outcomes for both mother and child.
