The role of polyunsaturated fatty acids in neurodevelopmental pediatric outcomes in the settings of gestational diabetes and obesity: A comprehensive review

Obesity is one of the major concerns of global health. Globally, 6–12% of women with obesity also curse with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Obesity and GDM constitute a major risk to maternal and fetal health with evidence suggesting an association with offspring cardiometabolic risk, respiratory disorders, and neurodevelopmental problems. Fatty acids, specifically polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), play a crucial role in fetal neurodevelopment and during early life stages. In addition to their neurogenesis-promoting properties, PUFAs have anti-apoptotic effects and provide neuroprotection against brain injury and oxidative stress. Some lipid metabolism enzymes have been recognized at synaptic terminals, proving PUFAs play a role in synaptogenesis, locally modulating synaptic transmission. On a cellular level, PUFAs suppress the production of arachidonic-acid-derived eicosanoids which modulate the production of pro-inflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines. On a subcellular level, when ingested through the diet, PUFAs are distributed and enriched into cells and their membranes where they impact both metabolism and survival. For instance, mitochondria maintain both cellular homeostasis and calcium concentrations in the cell. Maternal PUFA concentrations during pregnancy are hypothesized to be associated with children’s cognitive and neuropsychiatric outcomes, including intelligence and IQ traits and autism spectrum disorders. Most recent evidence demonstrated a positive association between maternal dietary intake of PUFAs and fetal neurodevelopment. Nevertheless, establishing clear, evidence-based guidelines on the appropriate types, doses, and timing of PUFA supplementation for high-risk pregnancies could improve maternal and pediatric health outcomes.