Developmental programming of peripheral diseases in offspring exposed to maternal obesity during pregnancy

Nirajan Shrestha1, Henry C Ezechukwu2, Olivia J Holland1,3

  • 1School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia.

Insights

Maternal obesity during pregnancy impacts offspring

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Health
  • Developmental Biology
  • Metabolic Health

Background:

  • Obesity is a global health issue affecting women of reproductive age.
  • Maternal obesity during pregnancy is linked to adverse outcomes for both mother and infant.
  • Offspring health later in life can be affected by maternal obesity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review studies on maternal obesity's programming effects on offspring.
  • To examine impacts on metabolic, cardiovascular, immune, and microbiome health.
  • To explore sex-specific effects and the role of the placenta.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiological and animal studies.
  • Analysis of research on maternal obesity's effects before and during pregnancy.
  • Investigation of mechanisms linking maternal obesity to offspring disease risk.

Main Results:

  • Maternal obesity can lead to metabolic, cardiovascular, immune, and microbiome perturbations in offspring.
  • Effects are often sex-specific, with the placenta playing a key role.
  • Animal studies offer insights into underlying mechanisms.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal obesity poses significant risks for offspring's long-term health.
  • Further research is needed to understand the complex mechanisms involved.
  • Understanding these links is crucial for preventing future diseases.

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