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

Maternal obesity results in increased placental oxidative stress, antioxidant production, and fatty acid mishandling.It also leads to placental leukocyte infiltration and proinflammatory response in some studies.Maternal obesity is linked to increased fetal circulating inflammatory markers and decreased immune response to pathogens.There are also programmed changes related to oxidative damage and hepatic steatosis in the offspring of obese mothers, with males appearing more affected.Promising data show increased physical activity, decreased sedentary time, and serine supplementation during pregnancy were able to correct placental and offspring oxidative stress damage induced by maternal obesity during pregnancy. 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. 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.