Fatty acid metabolism in the placentae of gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a metabolic complication during pregnancy is increasing rapidly. It exerts various short and long term effects on the mother and the child. Nonetheless, the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of GDM are still not clear. Placenta is a key ‘programming’ agent and any impairment in placental structure and function may hamper the fetal growth and development. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are key nutrients involved in placental and fetal development. The fatty acids transport from maternal circulation towards the fetus depends on the fatty acid status of the mother, fatty acid metabolism of the placenta and placental transport of fatty acids. Alteration in any of these could influence the fatty acids transport towards the fetus thereby affecting the fetal brain development and leading to impairment in cognitive function in the off-spring. We propose a role for placental fatty acid metabolism in influencing fetal growth and development which in turn can have an impact on cognitive development of the offspring born to GDM women.