Sons of Mothers with Type 1 Diabetes Exhibit Early Cardiovascular Issues, Study Finds
Stockholm, Sweden – A new study from Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University reveals that sons born to mothers with type 1 diabetes demonstrate early signs of vascular dysfunction, even in the absence of metabolic health problems. The research, published in cell Reports Medicine, identifies oxidative stress in blood vessel cells as a potential early marker for future heart-kärlsjukdomar (cardiovascular disease).
This discovery offers a critical window for preventative intervention,perhaps reshaping strategies to mitigate cardiovascular risk beginning in childhood. While cardiovascular disease is frequently enough considered a later-life concern, this study underscores the importance of identifying and supporting children at increased risk due to maternal health conditions. The findings suggest that early intervention could restore vascular function and prevent disease development later in life,with researchers now focusing on understanding why sons appear more vulnerable than daughters.
The research team,led by Allan Zhao,a doctoral student at Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University,found that vascular damage stems from oxidative stress within the cells of blood vessels. Oxidative stress occurs when cells break down nutrients for energy, generating free radicals that can cause cellular damage. While cells possess natural defenses against these radicals, an imbalance-often linked to certain diseases-can lead to cellular stress.
“We see that early intervention can restore vascular function in the affected animals, which opens up new opportunities to prevent disease later in life,” said Zhao.
Researchers are now expanding their investigation to explore the long-term consequences of maternal diabetes, with a specific focus on the observed sex-specific differences in disease onset. The study, titled “Maternal diabetes programs sexually dimorphic early-onset cardiovascular dysfunction in metabolically healthy offspring,” provides a foundation for future research aimed at developing targeted preventative treatments and improving the cardiovascular health of at-risk children.
