The impact of maternal obesity during pregnancy on offspring immunity
Randall M Wilson1, Ilhem Messaoudi2
1Graduate Program in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Riverside, USA.
Insights
Maternal obesity during pregnancy can negatively impact fetal immune system development, potentially leading to chronic health issues in offspring. This review explores how obesity affects neonatal immunity and the underlying mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
- Public Health
Background:
- Maternal obesity affects a significant portion of women of childbearing age in the US.
- Obesity in pregnancy increases risks for adverse maternal-fetal outcomes.
- Offspring of obese mothers face higher risks of chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and asthma later in life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of maternal obesity on the neonatal immune system.
- To explore potential mechanisms linking maternal obesity to altered offspring immunity.
- To understand how placental inflammation and nutrient transport may be involved.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing research.
- It examines data from human studies and rodent models.
- Focuses on immunological and developmental aspects.
Main Results:
- Maternal obesity is linked to perturbations in the developing fetal immune system.
- Increased placental inflammation due to maternal obesity may directly impact neonatal development.
- Altered nutrient transport across the placenta is a potential mechanism.
Conclusions:
- Maternal obesity poses a significant risk to neonatal immune system development.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for preventing long-term offspring health issues.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interactions.
Abstract:
In the United States, approximately 64% of women of childbearing age are either overweight or obese. Maternal obesity during pregnancy is associated with a greater risk for adverse maternal-fetal outcomes. Adverse health outcomes for the offspring can persist into adulthood, increasing the incidence of several chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and asthma. Since these diseases have a significant inflammatory component, these observations are indicative of perturbation of the normal development and maturation of the immune system of the offspring in utero. This hypothesis is strongly supported by data from several rodent studies. Although the mechanisms of these perturbations are not fully understood, it is thought that increased placental inflammation due to obesity may directly affect neonatal development through alterations in nutrient transport. In this review we examine the impact of maternal obesity on the neonatal immune system, and potential mechanisms for the changes observed.
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