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Clinical Science (London, England :... Apr 2020Maternal obesity is associated with pregnancy complications and increases the risk for the infant to develop obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life.... (Review)
Review
Maternal obesity is associated with pregnancy complications and increases the risk for the infant to develop obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life. However, the mechanisms linking the maternal obesogenic environment to adverse short- and long-term outcomes remain poorly understood. As compared with pregnant women with normal BMI, women entering pregnancy obese have more pronounced insulin resistance, higher circulating plasma insulin, leptin, IGF-1, lipids and possibly proinflammatory cytokines and lower plasma adiponectin. Importantly, the changes in maternal levels of nutrients, growth factors and hormones in maternal obesity modulate placental function. For example, high insulin, leptin, IGF-1 and low adiponectin in obese pregnant women activate mTOR signaling in the placenta, promoting protein synthesis, mitochondrial function and nutrient transport. These changes are believed to increase fetal nutrient supply and contribute to fetal overgrowth and/or adiposity in offspring, which increases the risk to develop disease later in life. However, the majority of obese women give birth to normal weight infants and these pregnancies are also associated with activation of inflammatory signaling pathways, oxidative stress, decreased oxidative phosphorylation and lipid accumulation in the placenta. Recent bioinformatics approaches have expanded our understanding of how maternal obesity affects the placenta; however, the link between changes in placental function and adverse outcomes in obese women giving birth to normal sized infants is unclear. Interventions that specifically target placental function, such as activation of placental adiponectin receptors, may prevent the transmission of metabolic disease from obese women to the next generation.
Topics: Adiponectin; Adiposity; Animals; Female; Humans; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Obesity, Maternal; Placenta; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications
PubMed: 32313958
DOI: 10.1042/CS20190266 -
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition Dec 2021Over the last few decades, the prevalence of obesity has risen to epidemic proportions worldwide. Consequently, the number of obesity in pregnancy has risen drastically.... (Review)
Review
Over the last few decades, the prevalence of obesity has risen to epidemic proportions worldwide. Consequently, the number of obesity in pregnancy has risen drastically. Gestational overweight and obesity are associated with impaired outcomes for mother and child. Furthermore, studies show that maternal obesity can lead to long-term consequences in the offspring, increasing the risk for obesity and cardiometabolic disease in later life. In addition to genetic mechanisms, mounting evidence demonstrates the induction of epigenetic alterations by maternal obesity, which can affect the offspring's phenotype, thereby influencing the later risk of obesity and cardiometabolic disease. Clear evidence in this regard comes from various animal models of maternal obesity. Evidence derived from clinical studies remains limited. The current article gives an overview of pathophysiological changes associated with maternal obesity and their consequences on placental structure and function. Furthermore, a short excurse is given on epigenetic mechanisms and emerging data regarding a putative interaction between metabolism and epigenetics. Finally, a summary of important findings of animal and clinical studies investigating maternal obesity-related epigenetic effects is presented also addressing current limitations of clinical studies.
Topics: Animals; Epigenesis, Genetic; Female; Humans; Obesity; Obesity, Maternal; Overweight; Placenta; Pregnancy
PubMed: 34230629
DOI: 10.1038/s41430-021-00905-6 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2022The prevalence of obesity is increasingly common in the United States, with ~25% of women of reproductive age being overweight or obese. Metaflammation, a chronic low... (Review)
Review
The prevalence of obesity is increasingly common in the United States, with ~25% of women of reproductive age being overweight or obese. Metaflammation, a chronic low grade inflammatory state caused by altered metabolism, is often present in pregnancies complicated by obesity. As a result, the fetuses of mothers who are obese are exposed to an in-utero environment that has altered nutrients and cytokines. Notably, both human and preclinical studies have shown that children born to mothers with obesity have higher risks of developing chronic illnesses affecting various organ systems. In this review, the authors sought to present the role of cytokines and inflammation during healthy pregnancy and determine how maternal obesity changes the inflammatory landscape of the mother, leading to fetal reprogramming. Next, the negative long-term impact on offspring's health in numerous disease contexts, including offspring's risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders (autism, attention deficit and hyperactive disorder), metabolic diseases (obesity, type 2 diabetes), atopy, and malignancies will be discussed along with the potential of altered immune/inflammatory status in offspring as a contributor of these diseases. Finally, the authors will list critical knowledge gaps in the field of developmental programming of health and diseases in the context of offspring of mothers with obesity, particularly the understudied role of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.
Topics: Child; Cytokines; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Obesity; Obesity, Maternal; Pregnancy
PubMed: 36189369
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.940937 -
Journal of Human Nutrition and... Apr 2022The global prevalence of overweight and obesity in pregnancy is rising and this represents a significant challenge for the management of pregnancy and delivery. Women... (Review)
Review
The global prevalence of overweight and obesity in pregnancy is rising and this represents a significant challenge for the management of pregnancy and delivery. Women who have a pre-pregnancy body mass index greater than 25 kg m are more likely than those with a body mass index in the ideal range (20-24.99 kg m ) to have problems conceiving a child and are at greater risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. All pregnancy complications are more likely with overweight, obesity and excessive gestational weight gain, including those that pose a significant threat to the lives of mothers and babies. Labour complications arise more often when pregnancies are complicated by overweight and obesity. Pregnancy is a stage of life when women have greater openness to messages about their lifestyle and health. It is also a time when they come into greater contact with health professionals. Currently management of pregnancy weight gain and the impact of overweight tends to be poor, although a number of research studies have demonstrated that appropriate interventions based around dietary change can be effective in controlling weight gain and reducing the risk of pregnancy complications. The development of individualised and flexible plans for avoiding adverse outcomes of obesity in pregnancy will require investment in training of health professionals and better integration into normal antenatal care.
Topics: Body Mass Index; Female; Gestational Weight Gain; Humans; Obesity; Obesity, Maternal; Overweight; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Outcome; Risk Factors; Weight Gain
PubMed: 35239212
DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12999 -
Cell Metabolism May 2021Maternal obesity has been reported to be related to neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring. However, the underlying mechanisms and effective interventions remain...
Maternal obesity has been reported to be related to neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring. However, the underlying mechanisms and effective interventions remain unclear. This cross-sectional study with 778 children aged 7-14 years in China indicated that maternal obesity is strongly associated with children's lower cognition and sociality. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that maternal obesity in mice disrupted the behavior and gut microbiome in offspring, both of which were restored by a high-fiber diet in either dams or offspring via alleviating synaptic impairments and microglial maturation defects. Co-housing and feces microbiota transplantation experiments revealed a causal relationship between microbiota and behavioral changes. Moreover, treatment with the microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids also alleviated the behavioral deficits in the offspring of obese dams. Together, our study indicated that the microbiota-metabolites-brain axis may underlie maternal obesity-induced cognitive and social dysfunctions and that high dietary fiber intake could be a promising intervention.
Topics: Adolescent; Animals; Behavior, Animal; Brain-Gut Axis; Child; Cognition; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Fiber; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Obesity, Maternal; Pregnancy; Social Behavior; Spliceosomes; Synapses
PubMed: 33651981
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2021.02.002 -
Journal of Diabetes Research 2019Insulin resistance changes over time during pregnancy, and in the last half of the pregnancy, insulin resistance increases considerably and can become severe, especially... (Review)
Review
Insulin resistance changes over time during pregnancy, and in the last half of the pregnancy, insulin resistance increases considerably and can become severe, especially in women with gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Numerous factors such as placental hormones, obesity, inactivity, an unhealthy diet, and genetic and epigenetic contributions influence insulin resistance in pregnancy, but the causal mechanisms are complex and still not completely elucidated. In this review, we strive to give an overview of the many components that have been ascribed to contribute to the insulin resistance in pregnancy. Knowledge about the causes and consequences of insulin resistance is of extreme importance in order to establish the best possible treatment during pregnancy as severe insulin resistance can result in metabolic dysfunction in both mother and offspring on a short as well as long-term basis.
Topics: Adipokines; Chorionic Gonadotropin; Cytokines; Diabetes, Gestational; Diet; Epigenesis, Genetic; Estradiol; Exosomes; Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Gestational Age; Growth Hormone; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Insulin Resistance; Obesity, Maternal; Placenta; Placental Hormones; Placental Lactogen; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Pregnancy; Progesterone; Prolactin; Sedentary Behavior
PubMed: 31828161
DOI: 10.1155/2019/5320156 -
Archivos Argentinos de Pediatria Feb 2019Early childhood obesity is a serious health problem not only because it causes serious health problems in children, but also because it poses a risk of obesity in the...
INTRODUCTION
Early childhood obesity is a serious health problem not only because it causes serious health problems in children, but also because it poses a risk of obesity in the later stages of life.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of our study was to determine the effect of feeding (breastfeeding times, exclusive breastfeeding times, instances of night-time bottle feeding) and maternal characteristics (weight gain during pregnancy, BMI, socioeconomic status) on childhood overweight and obesity in children up to 36 months old.
POPULATION AND METHODS
Babies born in the province of Rize (Turkey) between the dates of November 1, 2013 and September 30, 2014 whom birth weights between 2500gr and 4500gr participated in our prospective cohort study. The present study lasted for 3 years and 11 interviews were conducted with each mother of the infants during this period. Relationship between obesity or overweight and feeding practices evaluated into two groups according to their feeding practices.
RESULTS
294 healthy children were included. Mean weight of the babies at 36 months were 14.6 kilograms, 6 babies (2 %) were overweight, 20 babies (7 %) were obese, and 268 babies (91 %) were at an normal weight. 82 babies (21 %) exclusive breastfed less than six months and 212 babies (55 %) exclusive breastfed six months or more. Overweight and obesity is less frequent among children who were exclusively breastfed for at least six months (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
We concluded.that exclusive breastfeeding time and maternal obesity have a significant effect on childhood overweight and obesity.
Topics: Body Mass Index; Breast Feeding; Child, Preschool; Feeding Behavior; Female; Gestational Weight Gain; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Obesity, Maternal; Pediatric Obesity; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Socioeconomic Factors
PubMed: 30652443
DOI: 10.5546/aap.2019.eng.26 -
Nutrients Jun 2020Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances able to mimic or to interfere with the endocrine system, thus altering key biological processes such as... (Review)
Review
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances able to mimic or to interfere with the endocrine system, thus altering key biological processes such as organ development, reproduction, immunity, metabolism and behavior. High concentrations of EDCs are found in several everyday products including plastic bottles and food containers and they could be easily absorbed by dietary intake. In recent years, considerable interest has been raised regarding the biological effects of EDCs, particularly Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, on human pregnancy and fetal development. Several evidence obtained on in vitro and animal models as well as by epidemiologic and population studies strongly indicated that endocrine disruptors could negatively impact fetal and placental health by interfering with the embryonic developing epigenome, thus establishing disease paths into adulthood. Moreover, EDCs could cause and/or contribute to the onset of severe gestational conditions as Preeclampsia (PE), Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) and gestational diabetes in pregnancy, as well as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular complications in reproductive age. Therefore, despite contrasting data being present in the literature, endocrine disruptors must be considered as a therapeutic target. Future actions aimed at reducing or eliminating EDC exposure during the perinatal period are mandatory to guarantee pregnancy success and preserve fetal and adult health.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Benzhydryl Compounds; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diabetes, Gestational; Endocrine Disruptors; Female; Fetal Development; Fetal Growth Retardation; Humans; Maternal Exposure; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Obesity, Maternal; Phenols; Phthalic Acids; Placenta; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy
PubMed: 32545151
DOI: 10.3390/nu12061744 -
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2022Obesity rates in women of childbearing age is now at 29%, according to recent CDC reports. It is known that obesity is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation,... (Review)
Review
Obesity rates in women of childbearing age is now at 29%, according to recent CDC reports. It is known that obesity is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, including disruptions in cellular function and cytokine levels. In pregnant women who are obese, associated placental dysfunction can lead to small for gestational age (SGA) infants. More frequently, however, maternal obesity is associated with large for gestational age (LGA) newborns, who also have higher incidence of metabolic disease and asthma due to elevated levels of inflammation. In addition, anthropogenic environmental exposures to "endocrine disrupting" and "forever" chemicals affect obesity, as well as maternal physiology, the placenta, and fetal development. Placental function is intimately associated with the control of inflammation during pregnancy. There is a large amount of literature examining the relationship of placental immunology, both cellular and humoral, with pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Cells such as placental macrophages and NK cells have been implicated in spontaneous miscarriage, preeclampsia, preterm birth, perinatal neuroinflammation, and other post-natal conditions. Differing levels of placental cytokines and molecular inflammatory mediators also have known associations with preeclampsia and developmental outcomes. In this review, we will specifically examine the literature regarding maternal, placental, and fetal immunology and how it is altered by maternal obesity and environmental chemicals. We will additionally describe the relationship between placental immune function and clinical outcomes, including neonatal conditions, autoimmune disease, allergies, immunodeficiency, metabolic and endocrine conditions, neurodevelopment, and psychiatric disorders.
PubMed: 35573953
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.859885 -
The Journal of Nutrition May 2021Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a growing public health concern and maternal obesity and poor dietary intakes could be implicated. Dietary polyphenols and fiber... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a growing public health concern and maternal obesity and poor dietary intakes could be implicated. Dietary polyphenols and fiber mitigate the risk of diabetes and its complications, but little is known about their efficacy in preventing GDM.
OBJECTIVES
We examined the effects of whole blueberry and soluble fiber supplementation on primary outcomes of cardiometabolic profiles in women at high risk of developing GDM.
METHODS
Women (n = 34; mean ± SD age: 27 ± 5 y; BMI: 35.5 ± 4.0 kg/m2; previous history of GDM ∼56%; Hispanic ∼79%) were recruited in early pregnancy (<20 weeks of gestation) and randomly assigned to 1 of the following 2 groups for 18 wk: intervention (280 g whole blueberries and 12 g soluble fiber per day) and standard prenatal care (control). Both groups received nutrition education and maintained 24-h food recalls throughout the study. Data on anthropometrics, blood pressure, and blood samples for biochemical analyses were collected at baseline (<20 weeks), midpoint (24-28 weeks), and end (32-36 weeks) of gestation. Diagnosis of GDM was based on a 2-step glucose challenge test (GCT). Data were analyzed using a mixed-model ANOVA.
RESULTS
Maternal weight gain was significantly lower in the dietary intervention than in the control group at the end of the trial (mean ± SD: 6.8 ± 3.2 kg compared with 12.0 ± 4.1 kg, P = 0.001). C-reactive protein was also lower in the intervention than in the control group (baseline: 6.1 ± 4.0 compared with 6.8 ± 7.2 mg/L; midpoint: 6.1 ± 3.7 compared with 7.5 ± 7.3 mg/L; end: 5.5 ± 2.2 compared with 9.5 ± 6.6 mg/L, respectively, P = 0.002). Blood glucose based on GCT was lower in the intervention than in the control (100 ± 33 mg/dL compared with 131 ± 40 mg/dL, P < 0.05). Conventional lipids (total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides) did not differ between groups over time. No differences were noted in infant birth weight.
CONCLUSIONS
Whole blueberry and soluble fiber supplementation may prevent excess gestational weight gain and improve glycemic control and inflammation in women with obesity.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03467503.
Topics: Adult; Biomarkers; Blood Glucose; Blueberry Plants; Diabetes, Gestational; Diet; Dietary Fiber; Female; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Inflammation; Insulin; Lipids; Obesity, Maternal; Pregnancy; Prenatal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Young Adult
PubMed: 33693835
DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxaa435