Decreased Cardiac Glutathione Peroxidase Levels and Enhanced Mandibular Apoptosis in Malformed Embryos of Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Maternal diabetes causes growth retardation, congenital malformations, and decreased general antioxidative gene expression in the embryo. In particular, enhanced apoptosis of the first visceral arch and heart, together with decreased cardiac Gpx-1 levels, may compromise the mandible and heart and thus cause an increased risk of developing congenital malformation.