Synbiotic nutraceutical mitigates gestational diabetes effects and cardiovascular dysfunction in rat offspring

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of a nutraceutical combining jabuticaba peel (Myrciaria jaboticaba (Vell.) Berg) and Limosilactobacillus fermentum strains on gut microbiota, glycaemic and lipid profiles, and inflammatory markers in rats with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), as well as its effects on cardiac autonomic function in the offspring. Pregnant Wistar rats were assigned to control (CTL), GDM, and GDM receiving the nutraceutical (GDM+Nut). The nutraceutical (2 g/kg) or vehicle (PBS) was administered twice daily. After weaning, the offspring were fed laboratory chow until 80 days of age. Nutraceutical administration improved glucose tolerance and reduced serum inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6). Beta diversity was increased without altering alpha diversity indices in the GDM+Nut. Nutraceuticals increased the abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria. Maternal supplementation protected against autonomic dysfunction in the offspring. Nutraceutical supplementation shows potential as an alternative therapy for the treatment of GDM, while mitigating autonomic dysfunction in offspring.