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Leptin and paraoxonase activity in cord blood from obese mothers

G Ferretti1, A M Cester, T Bacchetti

  • 1International Center for research of Obesity (CIO), Polytechnic University of Marche .

The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine : the Official Journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians
|October 24, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Maternal obesity during pregnancy is linked to higher leptin levels and increased oxidative stress in both mothers and newborns. Lower paraoxonase (PON1) activity in obese mothers and their infants suggests greater susceptibility to oxidative damage.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Pediatrics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Parental obesity and psychopathological disorders are risk factors for childhood obesity.
  • Pregnancy is a critical period influencing offspring's long-term health.
  • Oxidative stress plays a role in various pregnancy complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal obesity during pregnancy and oxidative stress markers.
  • To evaluate leptin and paraoxonase (PON1) activity in maternal and cord blood.
  • To explore the relationship between maternal and fetal oxidative status.

Main Methods:

  • Collected venous blood from 37 pregnant women (19 obese, 28 normal weight) at 8 months gestation.
  • Obtained cord blood at birth from newborns of obese mothers and controls.
  • Assessed plasma levels of leptin and oxidized LDL, and paraoxonase (PON1) activity.

Main Results:

  • Obese mothers and their newborns exhibited higher leptin levels.
  • Lower paraoxonase (PON1) activity was observed in obese mothers and their infants.
  • A positive correlation between maternal and cord blood PON1 activity was found.

Conclusions:

  • Pregnancy obesity is associated with hyperleptinemia.
  • Reduced PON1 activity in obese mothers and newborns indicates increased susceptibility to oxidative damage.
  • Findings highlight the impact of maternal obesity on fetal oxidative stress.
Abstract

Keywords:
Leptinobesityoxidative damageoxidized LDLparaoxonase

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