Assessing lipoxin-mediated inflammatory responses in the second trimester of pregnancy among women with obesity: A comprehensive analysis

Objective: This study aimed to explore the relationship between maternal plasma lipoxin A4 (LXA4) levels during the second trimester of pregnancy and certain proinflammatory molecules, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), as well as the antiangiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR-1), in conjunction with obesity among pregnant women. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 pregnant women with obesity were compared with 30 pregnant women of normal weight, matched for both age and gestational week. Plasma samples were collected from all participants between the 18th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. The levels of LXA4, VEGFR-1, IL-6, and TNF-alpha were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Plasma levels of LXA4 were notably lower in pregnant women with obesity, whereas levels of TNF-alpha and VEGFR1 were significantly higher (p=0.041, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in IL-6 levels between groups (p=0.072). The binary logistic regression model revealed significant associations between obesity and the examined inflammatory mediators. Specifically, the results demonstrated that higher levels of LXA4 were linked to a reduced obesity risk, with each unit increase corresponding to a 0.926-fold decrease in the likelihood of obesity. Conversely, elevated levels of TNF-alpha and VEGFR1 were associated with an increased risk of obesity. Conclusion: The study concluded that increased body mass index during pregnancy affects the levels of plasma lipoxin, cytokines, and angiogenesis-related factors. Although the exact mechanisms remain unclear, the observed changes suggest a disruption in the metabolic systems of women with obesity, which may influence physiological changes during pregnancy and lead to obesity-related pathological conditions.