Effect of physical activity in pregnancy on low grade inflammation and glucose metabolism

• Published in: Zeitschrift für Geburtshilfe und Neonatologie
• Main Authors: Hartwig, C, Amtmann, B, Jantscher-Krenn, E, Peinhaupt, M, Csapó, B, Desoye, G, van Poppel, M
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English; German
• Published: 03.11.2015
• ISSN: 0948-2393; 1439-1651
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1566469

Background: Previously we found that in obese pregnant women, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was associated with insulin sensitivity, possibly mediated by interleukin IL-6. Whether this positive association is also present in lean pregnant women is unknown. Until now, MVPA has not been found to be related to insulin sensitivity in lean pregnant women. Objective: To assess whether MVPA is associated with glucose metabolism and interleukin IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β and C-reactive protein (CRP) in lean pregnant women. Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted in 45 pregnant women. Objective physical activity measurements and blood samples were taken at 12, 21 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. Cytokines and CRP levels were measured at those time points. At 24 weeks, a 75 oral glucose test was performed in addition. At birth, venous cord blood samples were taken. Relationships between the different parameters were assessed using linear regression models, adjusting for maternal age and BMI. Results: Women had a mean BMI of 22.3 kg/m 2 . At 12 weeks of pregnancy, 48% of the women met the PA guidelines of 150 min/week MVPA. No differences were found in any of the maternal or fetal cytokine levels between women who met the PA guidelines and those who did not. Glucose levels 1h after glucose load (75 g) at 24 weeks of gestation were higher in women who met the PA guidelines at 21 weeks. Discussion: In contrast to obese women, MVPA did not influence cytokine levels in this group of lean pregnant women. Surprisingly, glucose levels 1h after glucose load were higher in women who met the PA guidelines.