TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway Participates in the Protective Effects of Apocynin on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Induced Placental Oxidative Stress and Inflammation.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a temporary form of diabetes during pregnancy which influences the health of both mother and child. Both inflammation and oxidative stress have been implicated in the pathophysiology of GDM. Apocynin, acetophenone with anti-oxidative and anti-inflammation activities, has been shown to protect against insulin resistance. In the current study, the effects of apocynin on GDM symptoms, productive outcomes, oxidative stress, and inflammation were evaluated and the underlying mechanisms were explored. We administrated apocynin to GDM mice and monitored the GDM symptoms including body weight, serum levels of glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and the fetal outcomes in GDM mice. We also evaluated the effects of apocynin on placental oxidative stress, inflammation, and activation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in GDM mice. Here, we reported that apocynin treatment significantly reduced serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein in GDM mice, while significantly increased serum level of insulin and high-density lipoprotein. Apocynin improved fetal outcomes in GDM mice. Apocynin ameliorated placental oxidative stress and inflammation and inhibited TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway activation in GDM mice. We concluded that apocynin suppressed oxidative stress and inflammation in GDM by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.