Influence of maternal obesity on the skeletal muscle of offspring

Area of Science:

• Perinatology
• Developmental Biology
• Metabolic Physiology

Background:

• Maternal obesity is linked to offspring metabolic diseases, suggesting fetal programming.
• The in utero environment significantly influences fetal development, particularly skeletal muscle.
• Obesogenic exposure during gestation can alter fetal organ development and function.

Approach:

• This review synthesizes current research on maternal obesity's effects on fetal skeletal muscle.
• It focuses on morphological and compositional changes in offspring muscle tissue.
• The review examines alterations in key metabolic signaling pathways and mitochondrial function.

Key Points:

• Fetal exposure to maternal obesity impacts skeletal muscle morphology and composition.
• Signaling pathways for glucose and fatty acid metabolism are altered.
• Mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation are affected in offspring skeletal muscle.

Conclusions:

• Maternal obesity establishes an obesogenic fetal environment with lasting effects on skeletal muscle.
• Understanding these changes is crucial for preventing metabolic dysfunction in offspring.
• Further research is needed to explore therapeutic interventions for mitigating these effects.