Alginate oligosaccharides alleviates gestational diabetes mellitus through reducing oxidative stress and improving gut microbiota.

OBJECTIVE: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has significant implications for maternal and neonatal health and constitutes a considerable health challenge that requires intervention. The primary factors contributing to GDM are oxidative stress and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Alginate oligosaccharides (AOS), known for their antioxidant properties and ability to modulate the balance of gut microbiota, may offer a promising therapeutic option for managing GDM. In this investigation, we aim to clarify the specific therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of AOS in GDM.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mice with GDM were administered various agents, including AOS and deltamethrin, to investigate the impact of AOS on gut microbiota composition, insulin resistance (IR), pancreatic cell apoptosis, and hepatic gluconeogenesis. Biochemical markers associated with GDM, IR, and hepatic gluconeogenesis were analyzed. Cell experiments were introduced to confirm the effects of AOS on high-glucose-induced liver cell damage.

RESULTS: Mice with GDM exhibited an imbalance in the gut microbiota, increased IR, enhanced liver gluconeogenesis, and activated the nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 pathway in the liver. The administration of AOS restored gut microbiota equilibrium and reduced cell apoptosis in pancreatic cells, oxidative stress, IR, and hepatic gluconeogenesis, leading to improvements in parameters associated with islet β-cell functionality and insulin sensitivity. AOS also increased cell viability and decreased the inflammatory cytokine release induced by high glucose in QSG 7701 liver cells.

CONCLUSION: Treatment with AOS offers protection against IR, and hepatic gluconeogenesis by diminishing oxidative stress and modulating the gut microbiota in mice with GDM. Hence, AOS is a promising intervention for GDM.