Maternal Obesity-Mediated Inflammation: A Risk Factor for Schizophrenia in Offspring?
Date
2024
Authors
Mafinejad, Milan
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Gestational development encompasses what are inarguably some of the most crucial developmental periods of life. Normal development is at risk for many complications, including those induced by the mother’s health. The prevalence of maternal obesity during pregnancy has increased in the last decade, a condition which many serious pregnancy complications can be attributed to. Obesity is accompanied by an inflammatory response that poses a threat to fetal development, which can have short-term and long-term consequences. This thesis will examine the effects of obesity and the associated inflammation during pregnancy on fetal neurodevelopment and long-term fetal outcomes, specifically the occurrence of schizophrenia in affected offspring. Through a literature review of eight studies, the specific ways that exposure to maternal obesity-mediated inflammation during pregnancy contributes to fetal neuroinflammation were identified, and the neuroinflammatory findings were correlated to neurodevelopmental abnormalities associated with schizophrenia pathology. The findings of this project warrant further research into maternal obesity as a risk factor for schizophrenia in offspring.
Description
60 pages
Keywords
Maternal obesity, Neuroinflammation, Schizophrenia, Pregnancy, Neurodevelopment