(1) Worldwide, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is surging, driving the need of a better understanding of drivers and molecular mechanisms to prevent short and long-term consequences of GDM on mothers and babies. In this context, studying the role of nutrient-sensing modification (NSM), such as O-GlcNAcylation, of proteins is highly significant to tie environmental influences on GDM development and explore new prognostic and, potentially therapeutic, options. We are particularly fascinated in the fact that NSM can regulate placental hormones, involved in GDM onset, as well as explain the difference in clinical presentations based on fetal sex, potentially leading to new prognostics protocols to assist post-partum clinical care.
(2) The prevalence of harmful exposures during pregnancy emphasizes the importance of optimal placental detoxification to efficiently protect the fetus. Furthermore, non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) attenuate detoxification mechanisms and are expected to weaken the placental barrier. With no guideline in place for pregnancy NNS consumption, it is imperative to understand the impact of NNS on placental detoxification efficiency and define, if necessary, new specific safe limits of consumption.
Stephanie Olivier-Van Stichelen, PhD
Associate Professor in Biochemistry; Secondary Faculty in Obstetrics & Gynecology