The Obesogenic Environment: Epigenetic Modifications in Placental Melanocortin 4 Receptor Gene Connected to Gestational Diabetes and Smoking.

Background: Maternal metabolic insults as well as Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) influence the fetal health and may affect 'offspring's susceptibility to chronic diseases epigenetic modifications. GDM, the most common metabolic disorder in pregnancy, can be considered the result of complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. A critical point in this view is the identification of genes which are epigenetically modified under the influence of GDM.