Histological and Physiological Effects of Diabetes on Placenta of Pregnant Females

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a state of glucoseintolerance occurring with the onset of pregnancy causing much hazard for the mother and baby. It may be associated with macrosomia and disturbed Redox status which may be an index for great threat for the fetus in this condition. The present study aimed to find out the effect of the oxidative stress on the redox status (GSH, SOD, CAT GPx) and to investigate the histological status of placenta in GDM compared with healthy pregnant women. Twenty women with GDM and ten control healthy pregnant cases were investigated. All women underwent caesarean sections. Antioxidant parameters were studied in blood and placenta of GDM compared with control ones. The results of this study showed that maternal oxidative stress has over-whelmed its defense system, where GSH, SOD and CAT levels, except that of GPx, were decreased, effects that were accompanied by increased lipid peroxidation. On the placental side, the redox system picture was better, where contents/ activity of GSH, CAT and GPx were elevated, however, this was associated by an increased MDA content and a decreased SOD activity. The study also revealed significant correlations between blood and placental oxidative stress parameters. It is believed that administration of antioxidants is required as complementary therapy, once the mother s blood sample has shown change in the redox parameters. So, the clinician can use the oxidative stress parameters as a good new method to follow-up pregnant women, to avoid any dramatic effects that may influence the outcome of pregnancy.