Placental F4-Neuroprostanes and F2-Isoprostanes are altered in gestational diabetes mellitus and maternal obesity

Abstract

We investigated whether gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) associated with maternal obesity modifies the placental profile of F₄-Neuroprostanes and F₂-Isoprostanes, metabolites of non-enzymatic oxidation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA), respectively. Twenty-five placental samples were divided into lean (n=11), obesity (n=7) and overweight/obesity+GDM (n=7) groups. F₄-Neuroprostanes and F₂-Isoprostanes were higher in obesity compared to lean controls, but reduced to levels similar to lean women when obesity is further complicated with GDM. Lower content of F₂-Isoprostanes suggests adaptive placental responses in GDM attenuating oxidative stress. However, low levels of placental F₄-Neuroprostanes may indicate impaired DHA metabolism in GDM, affecting fetal development and offspring health. These results were not related to differences in placental content of DHA, AA and polyunsaturated fatty acids status nor to maternal diet or gestational weight gain. Placental DHA and AA metabolism differs in obesity and GDM, highlighting the importance of investigating the signalling roles of F₄-Neuroprostanes and F₂-Isoprostanes in the human term placenta.

Keywords: Arachidonic acid; Docosahexaenoic acid; F(2)-Isoprostanes; F(4)-Neuroprostanes; Gestational diabetes mellitus; Placental lipid metabolism; Polyunsaturated fatty acids.