The effects of a supervised exercise training program during pregnancy on placental cytokines, and the potential role of fetal sex and maternal weight status.

BACKGROUND

The mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of exercise on the human placenta are poorly understood. The objective of the current study was to ascertain the influence of a supervised concurrent exercise intervention from gestational Week 17 until birth on key cytokines involved in placental development and function. Secondary aims were to explore: (a) the moderating effects of fetal sex and maternal weight status; and (b) whether gestational weight gain, lifestyle behaviors (diet, sleep patterns, and physical activity), and physical fitness (strength and cardiorespiratory fitness) mediated the effects of exercise on placental cytokines.

METHODS

Seventy-six pregnant women (33 ± 4 years, mean ± SD), divided into exercise (n = 40) and control (n = 36) groups, participated in this study. The exercise group followed a 60-min, 3 days/week (aerobic + resistance) training program of moderate-to-vigorous intensity. Placental cytokines-including granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), platelet-derived growth factor AA (PDGF-AA), epidermal growth factor (EGF), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), fractalkine, interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, IL-1β, interleukin 1-receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) were analyzed using Luminex multi-analyte profiling (xMAP) technology.

RESULTS

The exercise group presented higher placental levels of G-CSF and lower concentrations of EGF and IL-1ra than the control group (p < 0.05). Significant effects of exercise on placental G-CSF and TNF-α (p < 0.05) and a trend toward lower IL-6 (p = 0.08) were observed only in female placentas. Additionally, a reduction in weight gain partially mediated the effects of exercise on G-CSF (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Maternal exercise during pregnancy is related to increased placental levels of G-CSF and lower EGF and IL-1ra levels. Some exercise-induced effects are observed exclusively in female placentas, including increased G-CSF and lower TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations. Notably, the increased levels of G-CSF observed with exercise might be due to a more adequate gestational weight gain.