Insulin resistance-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and pyroptosis in trophoblasts: protective role of metformin.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects up to 14% of pregnancies globally, with insulin resistance (IR) playing a critical but often underappreciated role in its pathogenesis. Yet the specific impact of insulin at IR levels on mitochondrial function and pyroptosis in first-trimester trophoblasts remains unclear. Metformin use in GDM pregnancies is rising, but its impact on placental mitochondrial function is uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the impact of IR, a key feature of GDM, on mitochondrial dysfunction and pyroptosis in trophoblasts and to evaluate the protective effects of metformin.

Methods

Dual staining assays using TUNEL and caspase-1, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were conducted to assess pyroptosis and pyroptosis-related inflammat

SUBMITTER: Du R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11910837 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature