Objective Normal gestation is associated with substantial changes in maternal metabolism including a marked increase in insulin resistance and mild cholestasis, hypercholesterolaemia, and hypertriglyceridemia at later gestational weeks. In some predisposed women, the metabolic changes are adequately severe to lead to development of gestational disorders of pregnancy including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Indeed, women with ICP are more susceptible to developing GDM and have significant biochemical and endocrine changes such as increased basal endogenous glucose production, decreased insulin sensitivity, and reduced GLP1 secretion from enteroendocrine L-cells that result in altered carbohydrate metabolism while they are cholestatic. The applicant hypothesises that reproductive hormones and their metabolites play an integral role in beta-cell adaptation in pregnancy through altered nuclear farnesoid-X-receptor (FXR) and G-protein coupled receptor TGR5 activity in the enteroendocrine L-cells and pancreatic islets. The applicant hypothesises that reproductive hormones and their metabolites play an integral role in beta-cell adaptation in pregnancy through altered nuclear farnesoid-X-receptor (FXR) and G-protein coupled receptor TGR5 activity in the enteroendocrine L-cells and pancreatic islets. There are emerging data to show that the bile acid receptors FXR and TGR5 play a pivotal role in glucose homeostasis and susceptibility to diabetes mellitus, but their role in altered glucose metabolism in pregnancy is poorly understood. The aberrant BA homeostasis during ICP may further contribute to the aetiology of GDM, by affecting FXR and TGR5 signalling in the in the gut and endocrine pancreas. It is also likely that that BA toxicity in ICP can increase beta-cell apoptosis, thereby interfering with their ability to adapt in pregnancy and thus compromising the demand for insulin to maintain maternal glucose homeostasis. Fields of science medical and health sciencesclinical medicineendocrinologydiabetesmedical and health sciencesclinical medicineobstetricsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculescarbohydratesmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinephysiologyhomeostasis Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinator KING'S COLLEGE LONDON EU contribution € 221 606,40 Address Strand WC2R 2LS London United Kingdom See on map Region London Inner London — West Westminster Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Paul Labbett (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data