Disrupting fetal environment in particular the state of hyperglycemia during the critical period of pancreatic development is one of potential factors that could alter β -cell function and morphology in adulthood. Vitamin D intake could protect β -cells from functional impairment and islet cells death. Aim of the Study: Present study aimed to study effect of maternal hyperglycemia on genes regulating insulin-secreting cells development and possible modulating actions of Vitamin D

more »

... either during pregnancy or further continuation till weaning, also its possible protection from excess dietary fat intake. Methods: Twenty four adult female rats were mated and after confirmation of day 0 pregnancy, six of them were considered as control and the remaining eighteen were subjected to STZ-induced gestational diabetes then subdivided into pregnant-STZ, pregnant-STZ-supplied with Vitamin D during pregnancy and pregnant-STZ-supplied with Vitamin D during pregnancy and lactation till weaning. After weaning, pups born to those mothers were subjected to IPGTT then half of them were sacrificed and the rest were supplied with 45% HFD for two consecutive weeks. Results: The results observed up-regulation of Arx unlike Pax4 and Ngn3 which were down-regulated in pregnant-STZ group together with impairment of IPGTT and reduced area% of insulin immune-reactivity, these changes were augmented secondary to 45% intake of HFD. However, modulating impact of Vitamin D was more obvious in pregnant-STZ-supplied with Vitamin D during pregnancy and lactation than pregnant-STZ-supplied with Vitamin D only during pregnancy. Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation till time of weaning could affect developmental programming of β -cells, enhance insulin secretion and protect against HFD-induced insulinitis.