Grant: CIHR-ICRH Travel Awards - General pool

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a medical complication that commonly occurs with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. Increased risks of maternal and neonatal adverse birth and cardiovascular complications are associated with this condition. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of GDM on the maternal vasculature, focusing on mitochondrial health. Currently, evidence from both of my in vitro and in vivo studies show that there are significant decreases in oxidative phosphorylation protein levels as well as significant increases in levels of extracellular vesicle-associated mitochondrial DNA. Overall, these data suggest that maternal vascular dysfunction is present in GDM and is characterized by mitochondrial injury and altered EV molecular composition. These findings also suggest a novel mechanism aimed at preserving endothelial mitochondrial health to reduce the short and long-term maternal cardiovascular risks associated with GDM.