Management of reproduction and pregnancy complications in maternal obesity: Which role for dietary polyphenols?

Abstract

Obesity is a global and dramatic public health problem; maternal obesity represents one of the main risk factors of infertility and pregnancy complications as it is associated with adverse maternal and offspring outcomes. In the last few years, adipose tissue dysfunction associated with altered adipocytokine secretion has been suggested to play a critical role in all the phases of reproductive process. Obesity is a nutrition-related disorder. In this regard, dietary intervention strategies, such as high intake of fruit and vegetables, have shown significant effects in both preserving health and counteracting obesity-associated diseases. Evidence has been provided that polyphenols, important constituents of plant-derived food, can influence developmental program of oocyte and embryo, as well as pregnancy progression by modulating several cellular pathways. This review will examine the controversial results so far obtained on adipocytokine involvement in fertility impairment and pregnancy complications. Furthermore, the different effects exerted by polyphenols on oocyte, embryo, and pregnancy development will be also taken in account.

Consumption of extra-virgin olive oil rich in phenolic compounds improves metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a possible involvement of reduced levels of circulating visfatin

“…Both oils had nearly identical fatty acid composition and vitamin E content as evaluated by HPLC [13] but very different phenolic content which was high (577 mg/kg) in EVOO and not detectable in ROO.…”

Grape seed procyanidins administered at physiological doses to rats during pregnancy and lactation promote lipid oxidation and up-regulate AMPK in the muscle of male offspring in adulthood

“…However, other studies have shown that although polyphenols can positively affect fertility and pregnancy, some of these compounds, such as the isoflavones genistein and daidzein, can also exert negative effects on gestation as well as on oocyte and embryo development [24]. Therefore, an evaluation of the effects of these bioactive compounds on maternal metabolism is important for establishing solid scientific bases for metabolic programming strategies focused on the prevention or amelioration of pathologies associated with lifestyle and aging, such as obesity, dyslipidaemia and diabetes.…”

Resveratrol supplementation of high‐fat diet‐fed pregnant mice promotes brown and beige adipocyte development and prevents obesity in male offspring

“…Together with dietary macro‐ and/or micronutrients, provision of bioactive food components, such as polyphenols, to mothers can programme offspring growth and metabolic pathways, which can further alter lifelong susceptibility to obesity and its related complications (Santangelo et al . ; Vega et al . ).…”