Hofbauer Cells in Pregnancies Complicated by Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Pathological Fetal Growth.

ABSTRACT:

Problem

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases the risk of large-for-gestational-age (LGA) birth and long-term cardiometabolic complications in offspring, particularly in males. These outcomes are associated with altered placental vascularisation, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly defined. Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are fetal-origin macrophages located in the villous stroma with established roles in immune regulation and vascularisation.

Method of study

This study investigated whether HBC abundance and phenotype are associated with fetal growth, fetal sex, and placental vascularisation in term placentae from non-GDM and GDM pregnancies. Pan-macrophage (CD14, CD68), HBC-enriched (FOLR2, VSIG4), M1 (CD86), and M2 (CD163, MRC1) markers were assessed by RT-qPCR and q

SUBMITTER: Fakonti G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12906864 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature