Obesity Affects Maternal and Neonatal HDL Metabolism and Function

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Metabolic Disorders
• Pregnancy Complications

Background:

• Pregravid obesity is a significant risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and offspring cardiovascular issues.
• The underlying biological mechanisms linking obesity to adverse pregnancy outcomes are not fully understood.
• High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) possess antiatherogenic properties, including cholesterol efflux and anti-inflammatory effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate HDL function in pregnant women with overweight/obesity and normal weight.
• To assess HDL functionality in maternal and cord blood.
• To determine the impact of pregravid obesity and GDM on HDL function.

Main Methods:

• Assessed HDL function metrics in sera from pregnant women (obese vs. normal weight) and cord blood.
• Utilized data from the DALI lifestyle trial.
• Measured serum antioxidative capacity, lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity, and HDL cholesterol efflux capacity.

Main Results:

• Pregravid obesity was linked to reduced antioxidative capacity and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity in mothers and offspring.
• Maternal HDL cholesterol efflux capacity was elevated in obese pregnancies.
• Maternal and fetal HDL functionalities showed a strong correlation.
• Gestational diabetes mellitus did not significantly worsen HDL function parameters in obese women.

Conclusions:

• Pregravid obesity, rather than GDM, significantly impacts HDL function in both mothers and their offspring.
• Impaired HDL function associated with obesity may contribute to long-term maternal and offspring health risks.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the long-term consequences of these HDL alterations.