Inhibition of HIF-prolyl hydroxylases (PHD1, PHD2, and PHD3) causes the stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and -2α (HIF-1α and HIF-2α) to regulate various cell signaling pathways. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is crucial in regulating signal responses mediated by hypoxia. HIF regulates the transcription of many genes involved in the response to hypoxia and ischemic insult. Our current work investigates the protective effects of PHD1 knockout in mice against myocardial infarction. Study Design: Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) ligation (8–12-week-old mice) in both wild-type (WT) and PHD1 knockout (PHD1^−/−) mice. WT sham (S) and PHD1^−/−S group mice underwent surgery without LAD ligation. Thirty days post-surgery, cardiac functions were measured by echocardiogram. Mice in all the groups were euthanized at various time points for tissue collection post-MI 8 h (gel shift and microarray analysis), 4 days (Western blot analysis), 7 days (blood vessel density), or 30 days (histological analysis). For microarray analysis, WTMI and PHD1^−/−MI group mices’ heart tissue was used for RNA isolation, then hybridization to a GeneChip™ Mouse Gene 1.0 ST Array as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Bioinformatic analysis was performed using the transcriptome analysis console (TAC) to generate a list of differentially regulated genes, followed by ingenuity pathway analysis. Results: The study findings revealed a significant increase in vessel density (capillary and arteriolar density) in the PHD1^−/−MI mice compared to those with WTMI. The echocardiographic examination demonstrated that the PHD1^−/−MI mice group had an increased ejection fraction and fractional shortening than the WT mice 30 days post-MI. HIF-1α DNA binding activity was higher in PHD1^−/−MI mice than in WTMI. The Western blot analysis showed a significant increase in the expression of HSPA12B in the PHD1^−/−MI compared to WTMI mice. Bioinformatic analysis using TAC software, Version 4.0.2.15 (1.5 fold, p < 0.05) showed 174 differentially regulated genes. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study showed PHD1 knockout activates several important molecules and signaling pathways, resulting in increased angiogenesis and cardioprotection against myocardial infarction.

With the increasing prevalence of diabetes and its growing impact on maternal and fetal health, management during pregnancy has become critical. This review describes the pathophysiology of insulin resistance during pregnancy, adverse outcomes correlated with diabetic pregnancies, and current management strategies. We investigate two leading approaches to managing pregnant patients with diabetes—lifestyle intervention and drug treatment. Lifestyle intervention, including dietary counseling, exercise regimens, patient education, and self-administered blood glucose monitoring, has demonstrated promising results in the management and prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Early intervention and treatment of at-risk patients have been critical for positive outcomes. Drug treatment, focusing on the utilization of insulin, insulin analogs, and antihyperglycemic agents has shown efficacy in achieving glycemic control and improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. These findings indicate that a combination of early lifestyle intervention and targeted drug treatment yields the most benefit in managing diabetes in pregnancy. To augment treatment, continuous glucose monitoring and telemedicine have become valuable tools in managing diabetes during pregnancy. Future research should aim to develop more effective antihyperglycemic agents, improve telehealth accessibility, and enhance preconception care for women at risk of developing GDM. By addressing these areas, we can significantly reduce the adverse outcomes associated with diabetes in pregnancy and improve overall maternal and fetal health.