Increased TGF-β/Activin-Smad2 signaling is associated with pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and glucose intolerance in gestational diabetes mellitus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic disease during pregnancy and increases the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in both mothers and children. GDM management provides an opportunity to prevent and lower the global burden of diabetes across life. Molecular mechanisms underlying GDM are not completely understood. In this study, we explore the role of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling in GDM, as this pathway reportedly affects pancreatic β-cell development, function, and proliferation.

Methods

We developed a GDM animal model. Serum circulating levels of TGF-β family ligands were measured in mice and human GDM. Pancreatic TGF-β signaling was investigated via gene and protein expression.

Results

Our GDM animal model recap

SUBMITTER: Boronat-Belda T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12902259 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature