Racial Differences in the Associations between Adiposity, Placental Growth Hormone and Inflammatory Cytokines in Pregnant Women

Citation

Williams, Camille Y.; Wylie, Amanda C.; Ghobrial, Verina; Coe, Christopher L.; & Short, Sarah J. (2023). Racial Differences in the Associations between Adiposity, Placental Growth Hormone and Inflammatory Cytokines in Pregnant Women. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 14, 1100724. PMCID: PMC10072229

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity among women of child-bearing age has contributed to an increased risk of pregnancy complications with a disproportional impact on women of lower socioeconomic status and among certain racial groups. In particular, socio-demographic and historical factors have resulted in higher rates of premature births and small-for-gestational age infants among Black women, which may be associated with placental function during pregnancy. The current study investigated the influence of maternal pre-pregnancy adiposity and race on the associations between inflammatory proteins, placental growth hormone (PGH), and infant birthweight. This information was collected for a subsample of 109 participants (Black, n = 39 vs. White, n = 70) from the Brain and Early Experiences (BEE) study.
METHODS: Serum samples were acquired late in the second trimester to assess PGH levels, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). Participant questionnaire responses provided information on pre-pregnancy BMI, health, race, educational attainment, and infant birthweight. Bivariate correlations and multiple linear regression models were utilized to evaluate associations by race between preconception adiposity, inflammatory markers and PGH.
RESULTS: After controlling for covariates including maternal age and education, gestational age, and fetal sex, regression models indicated that pre-pregnancy BMI was negatively associated with PGH (

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2023.1100724

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2023

Journal Title

Frontiers in Endocrinology

Author(s)

Williams, Camille Y.
Wylie, Amanda C.
Ghobrial, Verina
Coe, Christopher L.
Short, Sarah J.

Article Type

Regular

PMCID

PMC10072229

Data Set/Study

Brain and Early Life Experiences (BEE)

Continent/Country

United States of America

State

North Carolina

Race/Ethnicity

Black
White

Sex/Gender

Women

ORCiD

Wylie - 0000-0002-9354-5848