Maternal obesity reduces placental autophagy marker expression in uncomplicated pregnancies
Authors: A. Fernandez, J. K. Rathi, P. L. Mehta, S. B. Kumar, R. M. Lopez, C. Torres
DOI: 10.87349/JBUPT/27210
Page No: 101-125
Abstract
Aim: Obesity has been associated with changes in autophagy and its increasing prevalence among pregnant women is implicated in higher rates of placental-mediated complications of pregnancy such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Autophagy is involved in normal placentation, thus changes in autophagy may lead to impaired placental function and development. The aim of this study was to investigate the connection between obesity and autophagy in the placenta in otherwise uncomplicated pregnancies. Methods: Immunohistochemisty and western blot analysis were done on placental and omental samples from obese (BMI≥30kg/m2) and normal weight (BMI<25kg/m2) pregnant women with singleton pregnancies undergoing planned Caesarean delivery without labour at term. Samples were analyzed for autophagic markers LC3B and p62 in the peripheral, middle, and central regions of the placenta and in omental adipocytes, milky spots, and vasculature.
