Selenium Prevents Inflammation in Human Placenta and Adipose Tissue In Vitro: Implications for Metabolic Diseases of Pregnancy Associated with Inflammation.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and maternal obesity are significant metabolic complications increasingly prevalent in pregnancy. Of major concern, both GDM and maternal obesity can have long-term detrimental impacts on the health of both mother and offspring. Recent research has shown that increased inflammation and oxidative stress are two features central to the pathophysiology of these metabolic conditions.

Anti-inflammatory effects of phenolic acids punicalagin and curcumin in human placenta and adipose tissue.

Introduction: The world is witnessing a steady rise in the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), correlated with the current obesity epidemic. Both GDM and obesity negatively impact both the health of women but also that of the next generation. GDM and maternal obesity are associated with increased maternal and fetal inflammation and oxidative stress.

Anti-inflammatory effects of gallic acid in human gestational tissues in vitro.

Spontaneous preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity globally. Activation of the maternal immune system leads to a downstream cascade of proinflammatory events that culminate in the activation of spontaneous uterine contractions and the rupture of the foetal membranes. Anti-inflammatory agents may be a novel therapeutic approach to prevent inflammation-induced myometrial contractions and premature rupture of foetal membranes.

Short-chain fatty acids as novel therapeutics for gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects up to 16% of pregnant women and is associated with significant long-term health detriments for the mother and her offspring. Two central features of GDM are low-grade inflammation and maternal peripheral insulin resistance, therefore therapeutics which target these may be most effective at preventing the development of GDM. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as butyrate and propionate, are metabolites produced from the fermentation of dietary fibre by intestinal microbiota.

The short-chain fatty acids butyrate and propionate protect against inflammation-induced activation of mediators involved in active labor: implications for preterm birth.

Spontaneous preterm birth is a global health issue affecting up to 20% of pregnancies and leaves a legacy of neurodevelopmental complications. Inflammation has been implicated in a significant proportion of preterm births, where pro-inflammatory insults trigger production of additional pro-inflammatory and pro-labor mediators. Thus, novel therapeutics that can target inflammation may be a novel avenue for preventing preterm birth and improving adverse fetal outcomes.

Nobiletin exerts anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects in an in vitro human model and in vivo murine model of gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a global health issue, whereby pregnant women are afflicted with carbohydrate intolerance with first onset during pregnancy. GDM is characterized by maternal peripheral insulin resistance, thought to be driven by low-grade maternal inflammation. Nobiletin, a polymethoxylated flavonoid, possesses potent glucose-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its effects in GDM have not been assessed.

Targeting bromodomain-containing proteins to prevent spontaneous preterm birth.

Preterm birth is a global healthcare challenge. Spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) is commonly caused by inflammation, yet there are currently no effective therapies available. The Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal motif (BET) proteins, Bromodomain-containing protein (Brd) 2 (Brd2), Brd3 and Brd4 regulate inflammation in non-gestational tissues.

Molecular pathways disrupted by gestational diabetes mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) imposes serious short- and long-term health problems for mother and baby. An effective therapeutic that can reduce the incidence of GDM and improve long-term maternal and fetal outcomes is a major research priority, crucially important for public health. A lack of knowledge about the underlying pathophysiology of GDM has hampered the development of such therapeutics.

Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Oxidant Effects of Naringenin in an In Vitro Human Model and an In Vivo Murine Model of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Scope: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which affects up to 20% of pregnant women, is associated with maternal peripheral insulin resistance, low-grade inflammation, and oxidative stress. The flavonoid naringenin has potent anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative properties; however, its effects in GDM remain unknown. The study aimed to determine the effects of naringenin on glucose metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress associated with GDM both in vitro and in vivo.

The immunoproteasome inhibitor ONX-0914 regulates inflammation and expression of contraction associated proteins in myometrium.

There are currently no effective treatments to prevent spontaneous preterm labor. The precise upstream biochemical pathways that regulate the transition between uterine quiescence during pregnancy and contractility during labor remain unclear. It is well known however that intrauterine inflammation, including infection, is commonly associated with preterm labor.

Endocan expression is increased in the placenta from obese women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Introduction: Endocan, a member of the proteoglycan family, is involved in a wide range of diseases including obesity and diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of (i) maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on placental endocan expression; and (ii) endocan knockdown on markers of inflammation.

Methods: Endocan mRNA and protein expression was determined in human placenta from (i) lean and obese and normal glucose tolerant (NGT) pregnant women (n = 10 patients per group); and (ii) women with GDM and BMI-matched NGT women (n = 40 patients per group).

ATF3 is a negative regulator of inflammation in human fetal membranes.

Introduction: Infection and inflammation stimulate pro-inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandins and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, which play a central role in myometrial contractions and rupture of fetal membranes. In human and mouse immune cells, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) is a negative regulator of inflammation. No studies have examined the role of ATF3 in human labour.