Evidence for Quercetin as a Dietary Supplement for the Treatment of Cardio-Metabolic Diseases in Pregnancy: A Review in Rodent Models

Abstract

Quercetin supplementation during pregnancy and lactation has been linked to a lower risk of maternal cardio-metabolic disorders such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), dyslipidemia, preeclampsia, attenuation of malnutrition-related conditions, and gestational obesity in animal studies. Pre-clinical studies have shown that maternal supplementation with quercetin reduces cardio-metabolic diseases in dams and rodents' offspring, emphasizing its role in modifying phenotypic plasticity. In this sense, it could be inferred that quercetin administration during pregnancy and lactation is a viable strategy for changing cardio-metabolic parameters throughout life. Epigenetic mechanisms affecting the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3 K) pathways could be associated with these changes. To highlight these discoveries, this review outlines the understanding from animal studies investigations about quercetin supplementation and its capacity to prevent or decrease maternal and offspring cardio-metabolic illnesses and associated comorbidities.

Keywords: metabolic diseases; polyphenols; pregnancy complications; quercetin.

Figure 1

Schematic drawing showing that maternal quercetin supplementation improves cardio-metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters in dams, fetuses, and offspring. The up arrow ↑ represents increase, down arrow ↓ represents decrease.

Figure 2

Schematic drawing showing sources of quercetin-rich fruits and vegetables and how the presence of certain foods can be essential in a planned food prescription during pregnancy.