Epidemiological studies indicate that nursing protects against Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), with risk reductions of 40- 50% in all women and up to 60% in women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Despite these impressive risk reductions, we know little about the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of lactation on diabetes risk in either rodents or humans. We propose that the reduction in risk of T2D is a consequence of changes in fuel and energy metabolism associated with the metabolic demands of milk production. Insulin resistance (IR) occurs during pregnancy and is the earliest abnormality defined in patients at risk of T2D, typically preceding the onset of diabetes, sometimes for long periods of time. Many studies have demonstrated the importance of intracellular tissue TGs in the pathophysiology of IR and T2D and we have now generated preliminary data demonstrating that lactation lowers liver triglyceride content in post-partum mice. Therefore, the central premise and hypothesis of this application is that lactation increases tissue lipid clearance post-pregnancy, which, in turn, improves insulin sensitivity and lowers the risk of T2D in both rodents and women. The goal of this R21 application is to investigate the mechanisms through which lactation prevents diabetes in animal and human studies. We propose 2 specific aims.
Aim 1 will examine whether lactation mobilizes tissue triglycerides and improves insulin sensitivity in mice. We will perform detailed analyses of energy expenditure, insulin sensitivity and tissue triglyceride content in post-partum mice allowed to lactate or prevented from lactating.
Aim 2 will examine whether lactation improves insulin sensitivity and increases lipid turnover in women. We will recruit 2 cohorts of women with a history of GDM, those who either nurse or bottle feed their babies for 6 months, and will assess glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity and lipid turnover in each group. Obesity and T2D are important health problems in both the industrialized and developing worlds and up to 50% of women with a history of GDM develop T2D. Understanding the mechanisms that mediate the beneficial effects of lactation may point towards new therapeutic approaches to improve the metabolic health of all women and will help reduce the risk of T2D, especially in those with a history of GDM.

Public Health Relevance

Recent studies have demonstrated that nursing for more than 3 ? 6 months dramatically lowers the risk of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) in women, especially in those with a prior history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Despite these striking observations, the mechanisms by which lactation affects insulin sensitivity or protects against diabetes are unknown. This project will examine tissue triglyceride levels and insulin action and sensitivity in post-partum mice and in women who have either lactated or not in order to test the specific hypothesis that milk production mobilizes tissue triglycerides after pregnancy and durably improves insulin sensitivity.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
5R21HD100751-02
Application #
10093110
Study Section
Clinical and Integrative Diabetes and Obesity Study Section (CIDO)
Program Officer
Bremer, Andrew
Project Start
2020-02-01
Project End
2022-01-31
Budget Start
2021-02-01
Budget End
2022-01-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2021
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Yale University
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
043207562
City
New Haven
State
CT
Country
United States
Zip Code
06520