2 new publications for Marie-Cécile Alexandre

Bobin P, Le Guillou S, David-Sochard A, Gandon A, Gourdel M, Cloteau C, Moyon T, Charlier M, Darmaun D, Le Dréan G, Alexandre-Gouabau MC. 
Adaptive response of breastmilk metabotype and miRNA patterns in a rat model of gestational diabetes and its postpartum evolution. J Nutritional //doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2026.110421. Biochemistry, 2026, https: 

Breast milk after gestational diabetes: beneficial adaptations for the newborn? 

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It exposes the fetus to excess glucose, which may later increase the risk of insulin resistance and metabolic disorders in the child. Breastfeeding is generally considered beneficial in helping to reduce these risks. However, researchers are questioning whether gestational diabetes can alter the composition of breast milk and therefore influence its protective effects. To better understand this phenomenon, scientists used an experimental rat model. During pregnancy, some mothers were fed a diet rich in fats and sugars, leading to glucose intolerance similar to human gestational diabetes. After birth, some of these mothers returned to a balanced diet, while others continued the unhealthy diet. The researchers then analysed the composition of breast milk, focusing on lipids, metabolites, and certain microRNAs, small molecules capable of regulating the activity of genes involved in metabolism and insulin sensitivity. The results showed that colostrum — the first milk produced after birth — from mothers with glucose intolerance was enriched in specific lipids. These included energy-rich molecules readily usable by the newborn, as well as sphingolipids, compounds involved in the regulation of metabolism and insulin sensitivity. These lipids were found at even higher levels when maternal gestational diabetes resolved after delivery. The researchers also observed that mature milk from mothers whose glucose intolerance disappeared after childbirth contained higher levels of microRNAs associated with pancreatic β-cell survival and insulin signalling. These molecules may help improve glucose regulation in newborns. Importantly, when the mothers’ metabolic health improved after birth through a return to a balanced diet, the composition of mature milk became similar to that observed in healthy mothers. This milk even contained higher levels of potentially beneficial compounds, including specific sphingolipids, glutathione precursors with antioxidant properties, and bioactive microRNAs.

Küster A, Legrand A, Vibet MA, Nguyen PC, Winer N, Barribaud M, Gourdel M, Boivin M, Vincke M, Flet L, Darmaun D, Alexandre-Gouabau MC. 
Antenatal N-acetylcysteine supplementation in pregnant women with impending preterm birth. Pediatric Research, 2026, doi: 10.1038/s41390-026-05083-4.

 N-Acetylcysteine During Pregnancy: A Promising Strategy to Reduce Complications Associated with Prematurity

Premature birth is frequently associated with reduced levels of glutathione (GSH), a key antioxidant molecule that protects cells from oxidative stress. In preterm newborns, postnatal supplementation with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a precursor of glutathione, has not been sufficient to restore normal GSH levels. Researchers therefore investigated whether supplementation during pregnancy could provide earlier protection and improve neonatal outcomes. To address this question, a randomized pilot clinical trial was conducted in pregnant women at moderate or high risk of imminent preterm delivery. Participants received either NAC or a placebo. Depending on the severity of the risk, NAC was administered orally or, in the most critical situations, initially through intravenous infusion followed by oral supplementation until delivery or up to 37 weeks of gestation. The main objective of the study was to evaluate glutathione concentrations in umbilical cord blood at birth. Researchers also examined pregnancy duration, neonatal health outcomes, and changes in sulfur-related metabolic pathways. The study showed that NAC supplementation did not significantly increase glutathione levels in newborns. However, several encouraging effects were observed. Women receiving NAC tended to have longer pregnancies compared with those receiving placebo. In addition, a higher proportion of infants in the NAC group were free of neonatal complications. Metabolic analyses further suggested that NAC influences sulfur metabolism pathways, which may contribute to its beneficial effects. Although this small pilot study does not allow definitive conclusions, it demonstrates that prenatal NAC supplementation appears to be safe and may help reduce complications associated with prematurity. Larger clinical trials will now be needed to confirm these promising findings.