Role of Inflammaging on the Reproductive Function and Pregnancy

Abstract

During female lifetime and pregnancy, inflammation and cellular senescence are implicated in physiological processes, from ovulation and menstruation, to placental homeostasis and delivery. Several lifestyles, nutritional, and environmental insults, as well as long-lasting pregestational inflammatory diseases may lead to detrimental effects in promoting and sustaining a chronic excessive inflammatory response and inflammaging, which finally contribute to the decay of fertility and pregnancy outcome, with a negative effect on placental function, fetal development, and future health risk profile in the offspring. Maladaptation to pregnancy and obstetric disease may in turn increase maternal inflammaging in a feedback loop, speeding up aging processes and outbreak of chronic diseases. Maternal inflammaging may also impact, through transgenerational effects, on future adult health. Hence, efficacious interventions should be implemented by physicians and healthcare professionals involved in prevention activities to reduce the modifiable factors contributing to the inflammaging process in order to improve public health.

Epigenetic Profiling in the Saliva of Obese Pregnant Women

“…Maternal obesity and Gestational Diabetes (GDM) have been associated with lipotoxicity, inflammation, and increased oxidative stress both at systemic and intrauterine levels [ 8 , 10 , 44 ]. We previously reported placental modifications in obese (OB) pregnancies, indicating an excessive oxidative intrauterine/systemic environment [ 13 , 15 , 45 ].…”

“…The metabolic and hormonal balance is dysregulated in obesity and diabetes because of excessive adipose tissue deposition and intracellular fatty acids, leading to alterations of the immune cell profile and inflammation [ 10 ]. This metabolic-dependent pro-inflammatory background increases oxidative stress and insulin resistance, which further contribute to metabolic dysregulation, in a deleterious vicious circle.…”

A Pilot Study on Biochemical Profile of Follicular Fluid in Breast Cancer Patients

“…In FF of BC patients, we observed a decreased level of Nrf2; the failure to activate the complex downstream antioxidant enzymes, such as NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinine 1 (NQO1) and cytoprotective protein SOD, might have determined an increase of CXCL10, a 10 kDa proinflammatory chemokine, that is also a modulator of physiological ovarian function [ 59 ]. Numerous cytokines and chemokines were detected in FF, the role of which in reproductive physiology seems crucial [ 60 , 61 ]. Cytokines influence the development and maturation of the follicle, ovulation, formation of the corpus luteum, as well as embryo implantation and maintenance of pregnancy.…”

Serum C-reactive protein levels are associated with clinical pregnancy rate after in vitro fertilization among normal-weight women

“…Inflammatory molecules and immune cells play an essential role in the functional processes of ovarian folliculogenesis, ovulation and embryo implantation ( 1 ). The increased expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8, has been shown to be associated with ovulatory dysfunction and impaired oocyte quality ( 2 , 3 ).…”