How Does Maternal Obesity Affect the Newborn?
A new study examining umbilical cords from babies born to mothers with significant overweight provides clues on how the risk of obesity and diabetes is inherited.
Scientists have long known that infants born to mothers suffering from extreme obesity are also at risk for similar obesity. However, until now, the exact nature of this inheritance was unclear. A new study by the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston offers a possible answer.
In the study, researchers collected umbilical cords from babies born to mothers of normal weight and those from mothers with substantial overweight. They then examined the umbilical cord cells from the artery that transports oxygen and other essential nutrients from the placenta to the fetus. The result: in babies born to mothers with obesity, these cells showed decreased activity of genes that control the mitochondria—the power station of the cell—and other genes governing fat production and metabolism.
"These findings suggest that at birth, the infant already suffers from metabolic disturbances due to the mother’s obesity," the researchers explain. The changes in the umbilical cord cells, they say, are similar to changes observed in cells of adults suffering from obesity and type 2 diabetes.
When the researchers analyzed fetal blood from the umbilical artery, they discovered additional concerning findings. "We found that babies born to mothers with obesity had higher levels of fats that are detrimental to metabolism, such as saturated fatty acids," they write.
The researchers plan to continue investigating the cells and blood in the umbilical cord and follow up with the infants to determine whether they are indeed prone to obesity in adulthood. They also plan a similar study on babies born to mothers with normal diabetes or gestational diabetes.
The researchers hope to reach a point where, based on a blood test, it will be possible to identify fetuses at risk for obesity or diabetes and implement suitable interventions. "Pregnant women frequently visit healthcare systems, and we can utilize their motivation. If we can offer tailored solutions—for example, informing them that taking certain vitamins or regular physical exercise can reduce their baby's risk of obesity or diabetes, we are confident mothers will do so. Additionally, mothers and doctors can closely monitor the growth and nutrition patterns of babies born at risk for obesity and intervene accordingly," the researchers state.
