Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress: Focus in Obese Pregnancies (original) (raw)
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The effect of obesity on oxidative stress parameters in pregnant women
Interdisciplinary Medical Journal
Objective: In recent years, there has been a growing concern about obesity in public since it is known to reduce fertility in women and increase the duration of conception. Maternal obesity is also related to adverse pregnancy outcomes affected by placental malfunction. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to compare levels of oxidative stress between obese and normal weight women in the second trimester. Method: We assessed lipid peroxidation by measuring the thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) as well as antioxidant defense system by measuring the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) enzymes in 50 obese women (body mass index, BMI:36.60±4.95) and 51 normal weight women (BMI:24.51±3.47). Results: An increased lipid peroxidation and SOD enzyme activity were determined in obese pregnant women compared to normal weight women. Also, we found a significantly positive correlation (r:0.286, p:0.0435) between BMI and TBARS level as ...
BioMed Research International
Background. Obesity and pregnancy increase levels of maternal oxidative stress (OS). However, little is known about the maternal, placental, and neonatal OS status. Objective. To analyze the relation between prepregnancy obesity and the expression of OS markers and antioxidant capacity in the fetomaternal unit and their association with dietary intake. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 33 women with singleton, noncomplicated pregnancies. Two groups were formed: women with prepregnancy body mass index (pBMI) within normal range (18.5-24.9 kg/m2, n = 18) and women with pBMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, suggestive of obesity (n = 15). Dietary and clinical information was obtained by questionnaire and from clinical records. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were measured on maternal and cord serum by colorimetric techniques, and placental expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) was measured by immunohistochemistry. Results. Placental GPx4 expressio...
Role of oxidative stress and antioxidant supplementation in pregnancy disorders
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2011
Oxidative stress is widely implicated in failed reproductive performance, including infertility, miscarriage, diabetes-related congenital malformations, and preeclampsia. Maternal obesity is a strong risk factor for preeclampsia, and in a recent study we observed oxidative stress in the oocytes of obese animals before pregnancy as well as in earlystage embryos. This adds to the growing evidence that investigators need to focus more on the preconceptualperiod in efforts to prevent pregnancy disorders, including those related to oxidative stress. Our research has also focused on the role of free radicals and antioxidant capacity in preeclampsia. By measuring markers of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity, we obtained unequivocal evidence for oxidative stress in this disorder. Partial failure of the process of placentation has been implicated, and recent findings suggest that ischemia-reperfusion in the placenta may contribute to oxidative stress in trophoblasts. Endoplasmic reticulum stress in the placenta may also play a role. Randomized controlled trials have been conducted by our group as well as others to determine whether early supplementation with vitamins C and E in women at risk of preeclampsia is beneficial, but these trials have shown no evidence that these supplements canprevent preeclampsia. Whether this indicates that an inappropriate antioxidant strategy was used or supplementation was administered too late in gestation to be beneficial is not known. Other potential approaches for preventing preeclampsia through amelioration of oxidative stress include the use of supplements in the preconceptual period, selenium supplements, antiperoxynitrite strategies, and statins.
Antioxidants and Pregnancy Complications: Exploring Therapeutic Strategies for Better Outcomes
Clinical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2024
Pregnancy complications present signi icant challenges, impacting maternal health and fetal development. Oxidative stress, a key contributor to various pregnancy-related disorders such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and preterm birth, has spurred interest in exploring antioxidant interventions. Antioxidants, known for their ability to counteract oxidative damage, have emerged as potential therapeutic agents to mitigate these complications. This paper synthesizes current knowledge on the role of antioxidants in pregnancy, elucidating their mechanisms of action, sources, and impact on oxidative stress-related complications. It examines diverse antioxidant compounds, including vitamins C and E, selenium, and natural phytochemicals, highlighting their potential to modulate oxidative stress pathways and promote maternal-fetal wellbeing. Furthermore, this paper critically analyzes clinical studies, meta-analyses, and preclinical research exploring the ef icacy and safety of antioxidant supplementation during pregnancy. It discusses the complexities surrounding optimal dosages, timing, and formulations of antioxidants, aiming to delineate strategies for their integration into prenatal care. In conclusion, this review provides insights into the promising role of antioxidants as therapeutic strategies to alleviate pregnancy complications associated with oxidative stress. It highlights avenues for future research, advocating for a deeper understanding of antioxidant mechanisms and their optimal utilization in prenatal care to enhance maternal and fetal health outcomes. sources, mechanisms of action, and implications in combating oxidative stress-related complications. Oxidative stress in pregnancy complications Oxidative stress, a physiological imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ability of antioxidants to neutralize them, has been implicated in various pregnancy complications [26]. One of the most studied conditions associated with pregnancy, preeclampsia, involves increased oxidative stress [27,28]. Elevated levels of ROS and reduced antioxidant capacity contribute to endothelial dysfunction, leading to hypertension, proteinuria, and placental abnormalities. The placenta, central to preeclampsia pathophysiology, generates excess ROS, triggering systemic in lammation and endothelial damage [29-33]. Oxidative stress is implicated in the development of insulin resistance and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction observed in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) [34]. Increased ROS production impairs insulin signaling pathways, exacerbates in lammation, and contributes to abnormal glucose metabolism. This oxidative imbalance affects More Information
The Role of Antioxidants in Improving Pregnancy Outcomes
IAA Journal of Applied Sciences, 2024
Pregnancy is a physiologically demanding phase marked by profound changes that elevate oxidative stress levels, posing potential risks to maternal and fetal health. Oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant defense mechanisms, has been implicated in various pregnancy complications. Antioxidants, renowned for their ability to counteract ROS and mitigate cellular damage, have emerged as a potential intervention to ameliorate adverse outcomes during pregnancy. The paper highlights the physiological changes in pregnancy that contribute to heightened oxidative stress, emphasizing the link between oxidative stress and complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth restriction. This paper emphasizes the imperative for robust, well-designed clinical trials to elucidate the optimal timing, dosages, and formulations of antioxidants in pregnancy. It calls for a comprehensive approach to establish clear guidelines and recommendations for antioxidant supplementation. In conclusion, this review underscores the potential of antioxidants as a promising intervention to mitigate oxidative stress-related pregnancy complications. However, the inconclusive nature of current evidence necessitates further rigorous research endeavors. Through this exploration, it accentuates the urgency for standardized protocols, ethical considerations, and extensive clinical studies to unlock the full potential of antioxidants in improving maternal and fetal health outcomes during pregnancy.
Mitigating Oxidative Stress in Pregnancy through Antioxidant Supplementation: A Narrative Review
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CURRENT RESEARCH IN CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, 2024
Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses, plays a significant role in the development of pregnancy-related complications, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Elevated metabolic demands during pregnancy increase ROS production, leading to potential damage to maternal tissues and fetal development. Addressing this imbalance through antioxidant supplementation has emerged as a potential strategy to mitigate oxidative stress and improve pregnancy outcomes.Antioxidants, both enzymatic and non-enzymatic, neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage. Commonly studied antioxidants in pregnancy include vitamins C and E, selenium, and coenzyme Q10. Research has shown that supplementation with these antioxidants may reduce oxidative stress markers and improve conditions such as preeclampsia and IUGR. However, clinical outcomes have been mixed, with some studies showing significant benefits while others report minimal effects, underscoring the need for further research.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Metabolic changes in pregnant women begin in the first weeks after conception under the influence of placental hormones that affect the metabolism of all nutrients. An increased concentration of total lipids accompanies pregnancy and an increased accumulation of triglycerides in low-density lipoproteins (LDL) particles. Lipids in small dense LDL particles are more susceptible to oxidative modification than normal-density LDL particles. Unlike LDL high-density lipoproteins (HDL), lipoprotein particles have an atheroprotective role in lipid metabolism. The very growth of the fetus depends on the nutrition of both parents, so obesity is not only in the mother but also in the father. Nutritional programming of the offspring occurs through changes in lipid metabolism and leads to an increased risk for cardiometabolic diseases. Pregnancy is accompanied by an increased need for oxygen in the mitochondria of the placenta and a tendency to develop oxidative stress. Oxidative stress represent...
The Role of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Balance in Pregnancy
Mediators of Inflammation, 2021
It has been widely known that oxidative stress disrupts the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant system in the body. During pregnancy, the physiological generation of ROS is involved in a variety of developmental processes ranging from oocyte maturation to luteolysis and embryo implantation. While abnormal overproduction of ROS disrupts these processes resulting in reproductive failure. In addition, excessive oxidative stress impairs maternal and placental functions and eventually results in fetal loss, IUGR, and gestational diabetes mellitus. Although some oxidative stress is inevitable during pregnancy, a balancing act between oxidant and antioxidant production is necessary at different stages of the pregnancy. The review aims to highlight the importance of maintaining oxidative and antioxidant balance throughout pregnancy. Furthermore, we highlight the role of oxidative stress in pregnancy-related diseases.
Oxidative stress and maternal obesity: Feto-placental unit interaction
Placenta, 2014
Objective: To determine oxidative stress markers in maternal obesity during pregnancy and to evaluate feto-placental unit interaction, especially predictors of fetal metabolic alterations. Patients and methods: 40 obese pregnant women (prepregnancy BMI > 30 kg/m 2) were compared to 50 control pregnant women. Maternal, cord blood and placenta samples were collected at delivery. Biochemical parameters (total cholesterol and triglycerides) and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, carbonyl proteins, superoxide anion expressed as reduced Nitroblue Tetrazolium, nitric oxide expressed as nitrite, reduced glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase) were assayed by biochemical methods. Results: Maternal, fetal and placental triglyceride levels were increased in obese group compared to control. Maternal malondialdehyde, carbonyl proteins, nitric oxide and superoxide anion levels were high while reduced glutathione concentrations and superoxide dismutase activity were low in obesity. In the placenta and in newborns of these obese mothers, variations of redox balance were also observed indicating high oxidative stress. Maternal and placental interaction constituted a strong predictor of fetal redox variations in obese pregnancies. Discussion: Maternal obesity compromised placental metabolism and antioxidant status which strongly impacted fetal redox balance. Oxidative stress may be one of the key downstream mediators that initiate programming of the offspring. Conclusion: Maternal obesity is associated with metabolic alterations and dysregulation of redox balance in the mother-placenta e fetus unit. These perturbations could lead to maternal and fetal complications and should be carefully considered.