Mitochondrial content, oxidative, and nitrosative stress in human full-term placentas with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the mitochondrial content, and the oxidative and nitrosative stress of the placenta in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods: Full-term placentas from GDM and healthy pregnancies were collected following informed consent. The lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and oxidized protein (carbonyls) levels were determined by spectrophotometry, and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), subunit IV of cytochrome oxidase (COX4), adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and actin were determined by western blot, whereas ATPase activity was performed by determining the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) consumption using a High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system.

Curcumin decreases oxidative stress in mitochondria isolated from liver and kidneys of high-fat diet-induced obese mice.

Oxidative stress plays a key role in obesity and diabetes-related mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction is characterized by increased oxidative damage, nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, and a reduced ratio of adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) production/oxygen consumption. Curcumin represents a potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.