Placental inflammation is increased in gestational diabetes mellitus: The role of inflammasome NLRP-3 and chemokine scavenger decoy receptor D6

PMCID: PMC12173348

PMID: 40526637

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0326087

Journal: PloS one

Publication Date: 2025-6-17

Authors: Onori M, Beneduce G, Colella F, Lucchetti D, Policola C, et al.

Key Points

• GDM is characterized by elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased NLRP-3 inflammasome expression
• Statistically significant differences observed: CCL-2 (p < 0.01), CCL-4 (p < 0.05), and IFN-γ (p < 0.05) in GDM patients
• Placental inflammatory markers may serve as potential diagnostic or prognostic indicators for gestational diabetes complications

Summary

This study investigated the inflammatory profile of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by examining serum cytokines and placental inflammatory markers. Researchers compared 25 women with GDM to 25 normal pregnant women, analyzing inflammatory cytokines and placental protein expression between 24-28 weeks of gestation.

The research revealed significant inflammatory distinctions in GDM, with notably higher serum levels of pro-inflammatory markers including CCL-2, CCL-4, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Critically, placental tissues from GDM patients demonstrated significantly increased expression of the NLRP-3 inflammasome, suggesting a robust inflammatory response specific to gestational diabetes. These findings provide molecular evidence of systemic and placental inflammation in GDM, potentially explaining some of the metabolic and pregnancy complications associated with the condition.