help button home button Endocrine Society JCEM
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS

This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Submit a related Letter to the Editor
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow Request Copyright Permission
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Ramsay, J. E.
Right arrow Articles by Sattar, N.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Ramsay, J. E.
Right arrow Articles by Sattar, N.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism Vol. 87, No. 9 4231-4237
Copyright © 2002 by The Endocrine Society


Other Original Article

Maternal Obesity Is Associated with Dysregulation of Metabolic, Vascular, and Inflammatory Pathways

Jane E. Ramsay, William R. Ferrell, Lynne Crawford, A. Michael Wallace, Ian A. Greer and Naveed Sattar

University Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (J.E.R., I.A.G.), Medicine (W.R.F.), and Pathological Biochemistry (L.C., N.S.), Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Scotland, G31 2ER, United Kingdom

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Dr. Jane Ramsay, University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 3rd Floor, Queen Elizabeth Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 10 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow, G31 2ER, United Kingdom. E-mail: . jer6q{at}clinmed.gla.ac.uk

Abstract

Obesity is increasing in prevalence worldwide and in all age groups. In nonpregnant individuals, obesity is associated with dyslipidemia; hyperinsulinemia; vascular dysfunction; and, more recently, low-grade chronic inflammation. However, whether such effects are sustained during pregnancy has been sparsely investigated but is important to establish, given the association of maternal obesity with numerous adverse metabolic and vascular consequences.

We consecutively recruited 47 healthy women in the third trimester of pregnancy and divided the participants into 2 groups, lean [n = 24; median body mass index (BMI), 22.1 kg/m2] and obese (n = 23; median BMI, 31.0 kg/m2) around the median first trimester BMI. The age, parity, and smoking history were comparable in both groups. A detailed panel of metabolic and inflammatory parameters was measured and an in vivo assessment of endothelial-dependent and -independent microvascular function made using laser doppler imaging. Although low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and glycosylated hemoglobin were similar, fasting triglyceride concentrations were higher [2.70 (interquartile range, 2.3–3.21) vs. 2.20 (IQ range, 2.0–2.6) mmol/liter, P = 0.02] and high-density lipoprotein concentrations were lower [1.55 (IQ range, 1.1–1.7) vs. 1.72 (IQ range, 1.4–2.0) mmol/liter, P = 0.02] in the obese group. Leptin [55.6 (range, 45–64.4) ng/ml vs. 23.8 (range, 13.2–35.2) ng/ml, P < 0.0001] and fasting insulin [14.5 (range, 11.4–27.3) vs. 6.5 (range, 4.6–9.7) mU/liter, P < 0.0001] levels were more than double. Similarly, levels of inflammatory parameters, IL-6 [3.15 (range, 2.4–3.5) vs. 2.1 (range, 1.73–2.85) pg/ml, P = 0.003], and sensitive C-reactive protein [4.45 (range, 2.9–6.6) vs. 2.25 (range, 0.92–3.65) mg/ml, P = 0.0015] were also substantially elevated. Both endothelial-dependent and -independent vasodilatory responses were significantly reduced in the obese group (P = 0.0003 and P = 0.02, respectively, ANOVA) and systolic blood pressure was higher (P = 0.01). Metabolic factors, C-reactive protein (r = 0.289, P = 0.049), and insulin (r = 0.339, P = 0.02) were related inversely to endothelial-dependent function.

These comprehensive data demonstrate that, as in nonpregnant obese individuals, obesity in pregnancy is associated not only with marked hyperinsulinemia (without necessarily glucose dysregulation) and dyslipidemia but also impaired endothelial function, higher blood pressure, and inflammatory up-regulation. Such a spectrum of risk factors may contribute to maternal complications in obese women and, as a result, influence fetal programming of adult vascular disease. Clearly, these data provide further rationale to examine the potential benefits of preconceptual weight loss and antenatal exercise.




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
Am J EpidemiolHome page
J. Pirkola, M. Vaarasmaki, M. Ala-Korpela, A. Bloigu, D. Canoy, A.-L. Hartikainen, M. Leinonen, S. Miettola, M. Paldanius, T. H. Tammelin, et al.
Low-Grade, Systemic Inflammation in Adolescents: Association With Early-Life Factors, Gender, and Lifestyle
Am. J. Epidemiol., November 16, 2009; (2009) kwp320v1.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Clin. Nutr.Home page
P. M Catalano, K. Farrell, A. Thomas, L. Huston-Presley, P. Mencin, S. H. de Mouzon, and S. B Amini
Perinatal risk factors for childhood obesity and metabolic dysregulation
Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, November 1, 2009; 90(5): 1303 - 1313.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am J EpidemiolHome page
J. M. Catov, E. A. Nohr, L. M. Bodnar, V. K. Knudson, S. F. Olsen, and J. Olsen
Association of Periconceptional Multivitamin Use With Reduced Risk of Preeclampsia Among Normal-Weight Women in the Danish National Birth Cohort
Am. J. Epidemiol., June 1, 2009; 169(11): 1304 - 1311.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
ReproductionHome page
M Ethier-Chiasson, J-C Forest, Y Giguere, A Masse, C Marseille-Tremblay, E Levy, and J Lafond
Modulation of placental protein expression of OLR1: implication in pregnancy-related disorders or pathologies
Reproduction, October 1, 2008; 136(4): 491 - 502.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
M. Srinivasan, C. Dodds, H. Ghanim, T. Gao, P. J. Ross, R. W. Browne, P. Dandona, and M. S. Patel
Maternal obesity and fetal programming: effects of a high-carbohydrate nutritional modification in the immediate postnatal life of female rats
Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, October 1, 2008; 295(4): E895 - E903.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am J EpidemiolHome page
R. B. Ness, J. Zhang, D. Bass, and M. A. Klebanoff
Interactions between Smoking and Weight in Pregnancies Complicated by Preeclampsia and Small-for-Gestational-Age Birth
Am. J. Epidemiol., August 15, 2008; 168(4): 427 - 433.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am J EpidemiolHome page
J. M. Catov, L. M. Bodnar, R. B. Ness, S. J. Barron, and J. M. Roberts
Inflammation and Dyslipidemia Related to Risk of Spontaneous Preterm Birth
Am. J. Epidemiol., December 1, 2007; 166(11): 1312 - 1319.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
PediatricsHome page
R. J. Edison, K. Berg, A. Remaley, R. Kelley, C. Rotimi, R. E. Stevenson, and M. Muenke
Adverse Birth Outcome Among Mothers With Low Serum Cholesterol
Pediatrics, October 1, 2007; 120(4): 723 - 733.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
Z. Berberoglu, A. Gursoy, N. Bayraktar, A. C. Yazici, N. Bascil Tutuncu, and N. Guvener Demirag
Rosiglitazone Decreases Serum Bone-Specific Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Postmenopausal Diabetic Women
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., September 1, 2007; 92(9): 3523 - 3530.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol.Home page
J. Ferezou-Viala, A.-F. Roy, C. Serougne, D. Gripois, M. Parquet, V. Bailleux, A. Gertler, B. Delplanque, J. Djiane, M. Riottot, et al.
Long-term consequences of maternal high-fat feeding on hypothalamic leptin sensitivity and diet-induced obesity in the offspring
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, September 1, 2007; 293(3): R1056 - R1062.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am J EpidemiolHome page
L. K. Callaway, H. D. McIntyre, M. O'Callaghan, G. M. Williams, J. M. Najman, and D. A. Lawlor
The Association of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy with Weight Gain over the Subsequent 21 Years: Findings from a Prospective Cohort Study
Am. J. Epidemiol., August 15, 2007; 166(4): 421 - 428.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Reproductive SciencesHome page
Jie Zhang, A. Kendrick, S. Quenby, and S. Wray
Contractility and Calcium Signaling of Human Myometrium Are Profoundly Affected by Cholesterol Manipulation: Implications for Labor?
Reproductive Sciences, July 1, 2007; 14(5): 456 - 466.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
Diabetes CareHome page
G. Desoye and S. Hauguel-de Mouzon
The Human Placenta in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: The insulin and cytokine network
Diabetes Care, July 1, 2007; 30(Supplement_2): S120 - S126.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Hum ReprodHome page
S. Hu, A. Leonard, A. Seifalian, and P. Hardiman
Vascular dysfunction during pregnancy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Hum. Reprod., June 1, 2007; 22(6): 1532 - 1539.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
F. M. Stewart, D. J. Freeman, J. E. Ramsay, I. A. Greer, M. Caslake, and W. R. Ferrell
Longitudinal Assessment of Maternal Endothelial Function and Markers of Inflammation and Placental Function throughout Pregnancy in Lean and Obese Mothers
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., March 1, 2007; 92(3): 969 - 975.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
S. Jadhav, W. Ferrell, I. A. Greer, J. R. Petrie, S. M. Cobbe, and N. Sattar
Effects of Metformin on Microvascular Function and Exercise Tolerance in Women With Angina and Normal Coronary Arteries: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., September 5, 2006; 48(5): 956 - 963.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am J EpidemiolHome page
L. M. Bodnar, G. Tang, R. B. Ness, G. Harger, and J. M. Roberts
Periconceptional Multivitamin Use Reduces the Risk of Preeclampsia
Am. J. Epidemiol., September 1, 2006; 164(5): 470 - 477.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
J. M. Roberts and H. Gammill
Insulin Resistance in Preeclampsia
Hypertension, March 1, 2006; 47(3): 341 - 342.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am J EpidemiolHome page
M. Hinkula, A. Kauppila, S. Nayha, and E. Pukkala
Cause-specific Mortality of Grand Multiparous Women in Finland
Am. J. Epidemiol., February 15, 2006; 163(4): 367 - 373.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Reproductive SciencesHome page
T. Radaelli, J. Uvena-Celebrezze, J. Minium, L. Huston-Presley, P. Catalano, and S. Hauguel-de Mouzon
Maternal Interleukin-6: Marker of Fetal Growth and Adiposity
Reproductive Sciences, January 1, 2006; 13(1): 53 - 57.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
Am J EpidemiolHome page
L. M. Bodnar, R. B. Ness, G. F. Harger, and J. M. Roberts
Inflammation and Triglycerides Partially Mediate the Effect of Prepregnancy Body Mass Index on the Risk of Preeclampsia
Am. J. Epidemiol., December 15, 2005; 162(12): 1198 - 1206.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am J EpidemiolHome page
W. Pitiphat, M. W. Gillman, K. J. Joshipura, P. L. Williams, C. W. Douglass, and J. W. Rich-Edwards
Plasma C-Reactive Protein in Early Pregnancy and Preterm Delivery
Am. J. Epidemiol., December 1, 2005; 162(11): 1108 - 1113.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
EndocrinologyHome page
J. N. Fain, A. K. Madan, M. L. Hiler, P. Cheema, and S. W. Bahouth
Comparison of the Release of Adipokines by Adipose Tissue, Adipose Tissue Matrix, and Adipocytes from Visceral and Subcutaneous Abdominal Adipose Tissues of Obese Humans
Endocrinology, May 1, 2004; 145(5): 2273 - 2282.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
K. Shinohara, A. Wakatsuki, K. Watanabe, N. Ikenoue, T. Fukaya, N. Sattar, J. Ramsey, N. Jamieson, and I. A. Greer
Plasma Adiponectin Concentrations in Women With Preeclampsia * Response: Adiponectin Concentrations in Preeclampsia
Hypertension, April 1, 2004; 43(4): e17 - e17.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Lipid Res.Home page
J. N. Fain, S. W. Bahouth, and A. K. Madan
Haptoglobin release by human adipose tissue in primary culture
J. Lipid Res., March 1, 2004; 45(3): 536 - 542.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
N. Sattar, A. McConnachie, D. O'Reilly, M. N. Upton, I. A. Greer, G. D. Smith, and G. Watt
Inverse Association Between Birth Weight and C-Reactive Protein Concentrations in the MIDSPAN Family Study
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, March 1, 2004; 24(3): 583 - 587.
[Abstract] [Full Text]


Home page
DiabetesHome page
T. Radaelli, A. Varastehpour, P. Catalano, and S. Hauguel-de Mouzon
Gestational Diabetes Induces Placental Genes for Chronic Stress and Inflammatory Pathways
Diabetes, December 1, 2003; 52(12): 2951 - 2958.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
J. E. Ramsay, N. Jamieson, I. A. Greer, and N. Sattar
Paradoxical Elevation in Adiponectin Concentrations in Women With Preeclampsia
Hypertension, November 1, 2003; 42(5): 891 - 894.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
R. Retnakaran, A. J. G. Hanley, N. Raif, P. W. Connelly, M. Sermer, and B. Zinman
C-Reactive Protein and Gestational Diabetes: The Central Role of Maternal Obesity
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., August 1, 2003; 88(8): 3507 - 3512.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]




HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Endocrinology Endocrine Reviews J. Clin. End. & Metab.
Molecular Endocrinology Recent Prog. Horm. Res. All Endocrine Journals
Copyright © 2002 by The Endocrine Society