The Effects of Exercise and Race on Placental C-Reactive Protein and Maternal Metabolism

Abstract

Background- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory metabolite that is indicative of CVD. Pregnant women tend to have higher levels of CRP. Additionally, levels of CRP are reported to be higher in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals; however, this has not been assessed during pregnancy. Although inflammation is associated with high lipids, glucose, lactate, and excess body fat, little research has investigated the interaction between CRP and lipids, glucose, lactate, and body composition during pregnancy. Conversely, exercise has been shown to lower CRP, lipids, glucose, and body composition in nongravid individuals. To date, the effects of exercise on CRP levels in placental tissue has not been investigated. However, the influence of exercise during pregnancy on CRP, lipids, glucose, lactate, and maternal body composition is unknown. Purpose- The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of exercise on placental CRP, blood lipids, glucose, lactate, and body composition with the intent to answer the question whether exercise lowers placental CRP and other maternal metabolic measures. Additionally, this study will determine the difference of placental CRP and other maternal metabolic measures between Caucasian women as well as women who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community. Methods- Pregnant women were enrolled between 13-16 weeks' gestation. Subjects (n=19) completed body composition measurements and venipuncture at enrollment and 36 weeks' gestation. Participants were randomized to one of four groups: Aerobic, Resistance, Combination (aerobic + resistance), Stretching. After randomization, women were exercised three times a week from enrollment to delivery. Once participants delivered, placental samples were collected and stored in -80[degrees] C. Samples were then homogenized, and analysis was completed via the Millipore tissue sample protocol. ANOVA was completed for assessments between exercise groups and t-tests for assessments between BIPOC and Caucasian women. Results- There are no differences between exercise and placental CRP between exercise groups. However, when comparing the difference between racial groups, CRP levels trended towards significance (p=0.14). Conclusion- These data suggest that exercise does not increase placental inflammatory or maternal metabolic markers, regardless of race. Further investigation with larger sample sizes is required.