A recent BMC Public Health study assesses the relationship between exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Study: The impact of PM 2.
5 and its constituents on gestational diabetes mellitus: a retrospective cohort study . Image Credit: chayanuphol / Shutterstock.com Does PM2.
5 pollution cause GDM? The incidence of GDM, which is a common metabolic disorder of pregnancy, has increased in recent years. It is imperative to study the pathogenic factors contributing to the risk of GDM, as this condition affects the health of pregnant women and increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as neonatal hypoglycaemia and macrosomia. The mechanisms through which PM 2.
5 and its constituents lead to GDM remain unclear. Current evidence suggests that the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in PM 2.5 may contribute to insulin resistance (IR) by suppressing the insulin receptor substrate 2 gene.
PM 2.5 also alters the CC-chemokine receptor 2 signaling pathway, which exacerbates IR. However, some studies have also indicated the lack of an association between GDM and PM 2.
5 also exists. Thus, large-scale studies are needed to elucidate the potential association between PM 2.5 exposure and the risk of GDM.
PM 2.5 comprises various substances, such as sulfate, nitrate, organic matter (OM), ammonium, and black carbon (BC), with varying toxicity associated with each of these components. For example, one study reported .