Sex-specific associations of sedentary behaviour and physical activity with placental and fetal IL-6 in pregnant women with obesity. Impact on neonatal adiposity in the DALI randomised controlled trial

Key Points

• The aim is to examine how sedentary behaviour and physical activity impact placental IL-6 and subsequently neonatal adiposity in pregnant women with obesity.
• Participants were randomized in the DALI trial.
• Sedentary behaviour and physical activity levels were monitored and assessed.
• IL-6 expression was measured in placentas of pregnant women.
• Increased physical activity led to higher IL-6 expression in female placentas.
• Reduced sedentary time correlated with elevated placental IL-6 levels.
• Higher IL-6 expression was associated with lower fetal insulinemia and insulin resistance.