Investigate MBH gliosis in humans as a potential precursor to the development of GDM

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with a 6-fold increased risk for development of maternal type 2 diabetes. Identifying mechanisms that promote GDM would aid in understanding why only some women are prone to GDM. Studies in rodent models exposed to a high fat diet suggest that obesity, including increased visceral fat mass, is preceded by central nervous system inflammation and injury called gliosis in a region of the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) that houses neurons regulating energy and glucose homeostasis. We propose to investigate whether in humans, MBH gliosis, either directly or indirectly through increased visceral fat deposition, is a potential precursor to the development of GDM. Our data could provide the foundation for developing strategies to prevent GDM.