Prepregnancy obesity and risk of placental inflammation at term: a selection bias analysis

Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A and Free β-Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin in Relation with Oxidative Stress in Obese Pregnant Women: A Clinical Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The pathophysiological mechanism underlying pregnancy complications is not entirely known. Although it is currently impossible to predict the occurrence of redox imbalance, it is possible to identify women with a high or medium risk of developing this disease prior to a negative outcome by non-invasive diagnostic methods. The Aim: This study aimed to examine the possible role of the parameter of oxidative stress (OS) measured in early pregnancy in the screening/treatment of obesity and its complications during pregnancy. Methods: This research was designed as a prospective observational cross-sectional clinical study which included 40 non-obese and 31 obese pregnant women between 11 and 13 g.w. who were managed in the Department of Obstetrics, University Clinical Center Kragujevac in Serbia. We collected anthropometric and clinical indicators, maternal and pregnancy factors, and measured prooxidative parameters from blood samples. Results: We observed significantly increased levels of the superoxide anion radical, hydrogen peroxide and the index of lipid peroxidation in the Obese group in comparison with the Non-Obese group and significantly decreased bioavailability of nitrites in the Obese group in comparison with the Non-Obese group. Conclusions: The determination of systemic parameters of OS in early pregnancy could be a good methodological approach in the screening/treatment of obesity during pregnancy and this approach should be followed for the screening of endothelial dysfunction in pregnancy which needs further monitoring and/or treatment.

Placental inflammation, oxidative stress, and fetal outcomes in maternal obesity

The obesity epidemic has led to a growing body of research investigating the consequences of maternal obesity on pregnancy and offspring health. The placenta, traditionally viewed as a passive intermediary between mother and fetus, is known to play a critical role in modulating the intrauterine environment and fetal development, and we now know that maternal obesity leads to increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and altered placental function. Here, we review recent research exploring the involvement of inflammation and oxidative stress as mechanisms impacting the placenta and fetus during obese pregnancy. Understanding them is crucial for informing strategies that can mitigate the adverse health effects of maternal obesity on offspring development and disease risk.