Metabolic dysfunction is exacerbated in visceral, not subcutaneous, adipose tissue in gestational diabetes

in Journal of Endocrinology
Authors:
Alan C Maloney Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA

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Jillian L Barnas Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA

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Laura M Clart Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA

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Victoria J Vieira-Potter Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA

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, and
Jill A Kanaley Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA

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Correspondence should be addressed to J A Kanaley: kanaleyj@missouri.edu
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1530/JOE-25-0043
Volume/Issue:
Volume 265: Issue 3
Article Type:
Research Article
Article ID:
e250043
Online Publication Date:
16 May 2025
Copyright:
© the author(s) 2025
Restricted access
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Adipose tissue (AT) releases adipokines and inflammatory cytokines, which may have an adverse impact on the mother and fetus during pregnancy. Mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) differentially express adipokines and cytokines compared to normal glucose tolerant (NGT) mothers, but the mechanisms are unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify molecular mechanisms in subcutaneous (SQAT) and visceral AT (VAT) which may help characterize GDM and pinpoint those that contribute to its pathology. SQAT and VAT samples were collected from 22 NGT and six GDM pregnant women undergoing a C-section. A panel of inflammatory, mitochondrial, and metabolic genes and proteins (via q-rtPCR and Western blot) was measured. Blood was assessed for concentrations of adiponectin, brain neurotrophic factor, C-reactive protein, and non-esterified fatty acids (via ELISA). In GDM, VAT protein content was lower for oxidative phosphorylation complexes CI-CIII, adiponectin, and adipose triglyceride lipase. Gene expression of adiponectin, estrogen receptor β, uncoupling protein 1, and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma was also lower in GDM mothers, while gene expression of an anti-inflammatory macrophage marker was higher. No differences in the measured blood markers were found. Mothers with GDM differentially express AT adipokines and genes associated with inflammation, insulin resistance, and altered lipid metabolism relative to mothers with NGT.

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Print ISSN:
0022-0795
Online ISSN:
1479-6805
Copyright:
© the author(s) 2025
Article ID:
e250043
Article Type:
Research Article
Received Date:
01 Feb 2025
Rev-recd:
23 Apr 2025
Accepted Date:
02 May 2025
Print Publication Date:
01 Jun 2025
Online Publication Date:
16 May 2025
Keywords:
adipocytes; depot; adiponectin; inflammation; metabolism

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