Evaluation of the dietary antioxidants intake in pregnant woman: perspectives for the understanding of gestational diabetes molecular mechanism

Abstract

Gestational diabetes (GD) is a condition defined as carbohydrate intolerance and hyperglycemia, beginning in the second trimester of pregnancy, which suggests the inability of beta cells to respond to increased insulin demand. Results of our group have shown that progesterone (PG), a hormone whose concentration increases considerably during pregnancy, is related to death of pancreatic ² cells, which could contribute to the development of GD. Nevertheless, the mechanism involved in the progesterone-induced cell death is not yet completely understood. Since progesterone has been implicated in the death of some cell types by a mechanism dependent on the redox state of cells, we are interested in investigating if there is a relationship between the intake of dietary antioxidants, which is related to the antioxidant state of the individual, and the development of GD. In this context, this project open the perspective for a better understanding of the GD physiopathology, which can result in actions, involving the manipulation of diet, for the controlling and preventing of this condition.