Males born to overweight women are at an increased risk of being overweight at birth and developing metabolic complications later in life, such as liver disease and diabetes.
The activation of pathways in the developing liver by male sex hormones plays a significant role in this scenario, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of South Australia (UniSA) focusing on the influence of maternal obesity on fetal liver androgen signalling.
The study reveals that male fetuses of obese mothers exhibit distinct signals activated by male sex hormones in the liver, promoting growth over health considerations. Dr. Ashley Meakin from UniSA explains that while androgens are essential for male development, an excess of these hormones can lead to excessive fetal growth, resulting in complications at birth and affecting liver function in adulthood.
On the other hand, female fetuses exposed to elevated testosterone levels during maternal obesity tend to suppress the androgen pathway in the liver, limiting their growth and reducing the likelihood of metabolic disorders in later life.
Dr. Ashley Meakin highlights the gender disparities in metabolic disorders later in life due to maternal obesity, emphasizing that men born to obese mothers with a birth weight exceeding 4 kg are more predisposed to conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and diabetes. This predisposition is attributed to the genetic inclination of males to prioritize androgens for the development of male traits, despite the potential negative consequences of excessive androgen levels.
Professor Janna Morrison, the lead author of the study and Head of the Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group at UniSA, underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced nutritional intake during pregnancy to support the optimal growth and development of the unborn child. She warns of the risks associated with both undernutrition and overnutrition during pregnancy, stressing the significance of achieving the ideal conditions for fetal development.
Addressing the broader societal issue of obesity, Prof. Morrison advocates for a fundamental shift in nutritional practices to combat obesity-related health challenges from early development into adulthood. She emphasizes the necessity of instilling healthy eating habits from childhood, which can have a lasting impact on overall health, including during pregnancy.
In the meantime, Dr. Meakin suggests that nutritional supplements tailored to rectify imbalances during pregnancy could enhance fetal development outcomes. The recent publication of the liver androgen signalling study in Life Sciences adds to a series of research endeavors by Prof. Morrison and her team, exploring the effects of maternal nutrition on various organs including the placenta, heart, lung, and liver.
For further insights, refer to the original journal article: Meakin, A. S., et al. (2024). Maternal obesity impacts fetal liver androgen signalling in a sex-specific manner. Life Sciences.