The prevalence of maternal obesity in Australia has markedly increased and is a public health concern. During pregnancy, the placenta plays a crucial role in the development of the foetus. Adiponectin and leptin are adipokines involved in nutrient transportation in the placenta and examination of these proteins may provide key information related to the mechanisms associated with physiological adaptation to maternal obesity. Research has found that expectant mothers with gestational obesity have perpetually low levels of adiponectin and increased leptin expression. This is proposed to affect placental development which influences foetal development.
This study will explore adipokine RNA expression in human placental tissue samples for a Western Australian cohort. Placental adiponectin and leptin measures will be determined for participants from six subsets based on maternal weight/ BMI at antenatal booking. Statistical analyses will include adipokine expression related to sociodemographic, anthropometric, maternal, placental and natal outcomes.
To achieve the research aims, RNA will be extracted from frozen placental tissue samples and reverse transcribed into cDNA then amplified by real-time PCR. Adiponectin and leptin expression and adipokine ratios will be examined, using TaqMan assays. Immunohistochemistry of select placental tissue samples will allow for localisation of adipokine expression in placental cell lines.
It is vital to understand the relationship between maternal obesity and adverse placental and foetal outcomes. The impact of weight gain during pregnancy needs further exploration as the biological mechanisms that link maternal obesity and foetal overgrowth are contentious. Investigation of adiponectin and leptin expression in the placenta can lead to preventative measures that can be applied pre and post conception. A healthy mum means a healthy baby and the provision of improved outcomes in adulthood. These processes begin even before birth.