Gestational diabetes mellitus: low Omega-3 concentrations and potential fetal problems

Women affected by gestational diabetes mellitus, a glucose metabolism disorder occurring during pregnancy, have low concentrations of Omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in plasma, placenta, and umbilical cord. This condition could limit the transfer of DHA to the fetus and thus cause deficits in neuronal development.

This is explained by a group of researchers from the University of Murcia (Spain), who clarify the controversial association between the pathology and the low concentration of long-chain fatty acids in the newborn. The study was published in the American Journal of Physiology.

Long-chain fatty acid deficiency causes defects in brain development

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common complications of pregnancy and is increasing worldwide due to the rise in overweight and obesity. The prevalence of this condition varies widely, probably due to different approaches and measurements in various studies. In the USA, for example, it is estimated that GDM affected 7.6% of pregnancies between 1999 and 2005. GDM is harmful to both mother and child. It is associated with perinatal complications, increases the mother's risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and the offspring's risk of developing metabolic syndrome or obesity. Furthermore, this condition promotes the onset of fetal neurodevelopmental defects, causing in children behavioral alterations, delayed brain growth, reduced motor skills, high inattention, and memory deficits. According to previous studies, neuronal development deficiencies are linked to the lack of long-chain fatty acids in these children. Omega-3 DHA is indeed essential for the development, maintenance, and functioning of the brain, being one of the main components of neuron membranes.

DHA levels were lower in diabetic women compared to healthy controls

The study involved 20 pregnant women, 11 healthy and 9 with GDM, all scheduled for cesarean delivery. Each received, 12 hours before delivery, a supplement of DHA labeled with the isotope ¹³C, at doses of 0.5 mg per kg of body weight. All women had similar body mass index, insulin, and glucose levels. Anthropometric measures of the newborns were similar at birth, but gestational age differed (39.8 and 38.2 weeks for controls and GDM mothers, respectively). Blood samples were collected from each subject at 12, 3, 2, and 1 hour before delivery and immediately after. Additionally, venous and arterial blood from the umbilical cord and placental tissue were sampled. Each sample was analyzed for labeled DHA content using mass spectrometry.

The measurement of isotopes in maternal plasma, placenta, and umbilical cord allowed estimation of the distribution of ¹³C DHA between mother and fetus and maternal plasma and placenta. Results showed that in women with GDM, the concentration of labeled DHA in total lipids was significantly lower in plasma, placenta, and umbilical cord blood compared to controls. Furthermore, in diabetic women compared to healthy controls, labeled DHA concentration in phospholipids was lower, while that in triglycerides was slightly higher. The ratio between ¹³C DHA concentration in cord blood and maternal plasma was lower in GDM mothers compared to controls, as was the ratio between placenta and maternal plasma concentrations, highlighting a reduction in transfer from maternal blood to placenta, and consequently to the fetus.

Interesting results that require further investigation

The results suggest that women with GDM have low DHA concentrations in plasma, umbilical cord blood, and placenta, leading to a deficiency of this molecule in the fetus. Furthermore, the transfer from maternal plasma to placenta is compromised. These findings contrast with previous studies where DHA and arachidonic acid concentrations in the placenta of women with GDM were higher than controls, suggesting that fatty acids were retained in the placenta and could not pass to the fetus. Further studies will be needed to clarify the mechanisms associated with this type of diabetes and understand the benefits of potential supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids during fetal development. To stay updated on the latest scientific research on Omega-3,

Source: 

Pagán A, Prieto-Sánchez MT, Blanco-Carnero JE, Gil-Sánchez A, Parrilla JJ, Demmelmair H, Koletzko B, Larqué E. “Materno-fetal transfer of docosahexaenoic acid is impaired by gestational diabetes mellitus”. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2013 Oct 1;305(7):E826-33