Effect of maternal hypothyroidism on fetal glucose metabolism

VernacularTitle:孕期甲状腺功能减退对子代糖代谢的影响
Author: Yu YANG ; Kun WANG ; Chao LIU
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Pregnancy; Hypothyroidism; Offspring; Glucose metabolism
From: Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2015;(6):561-564
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: [Summary] The theory of fetal origins of adult disease (FOAD) is now widely accepted by researchers who hold the opinion that adult degenerative and metabolism diseases have close relationship with the environment of fetal development inside and outside the womb. Some studies have proved that maternal hypothyroidism can negatively affect the glucose metabolism of their offsprings. However, the whole mechanism is not clear yet. Insufficient thyroid hormone during pregnancy was proved to slow down the formation of fetal pancreatic cytoskeleton, to decrease the proinsulin gene transcription, and to modulate series of cytokines and enzymes which are related to glucose dependent insulin secretion. Thyroid hormone receptor is also considered to be partially responsible for the relation between low thyroid hormone and β cell insufficiency. However, more studies in vivo should be carried out to prove this hypothesis. Epidemiologic studies have suggested that type 2 diabetes and low birth weight can be different phenotypes of the same genotype. The definite mechanism of maternal hypothyroidism in influencing fetal β-cell function should be studied by further investigation.