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
Authors' conclusion
In women with obesity, increasing MVPA and reducing ST during pregnancy is associated with higher IL-6 expression in female placentas and lower cord IL-6 in male fetuses. Higher placental IL-6 expression is linked to reduced fetal insulinemia and insulin resistance, contributing to lower neonatal adiposity.
Study context
- Population
- Pregnant women with obesity
- Participants
- 134 women
Methodological detailsSedentary time (ST) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) assessed by accelerometry at three gestational periods; placental IL-6 mRNA by Nanostring; neonatal fat % from skinfolds
- ST and MVPA assessed by accelerometry at three gestational periods; placental IL-6 mRNA by Nanostring; neonatal fat % from skinfolds
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Associations of ST and MVPA with placental IL-6 expression and cord venous IL-6
- Increasing MVPA from inclusion (<20 weeks) to 24-28 or 35-37 weeks, and reducing ST to 24-28 weeks, associated with higher IL-6 expression in female placentas
- p < 0.05
- Increasing MVPA from inclusion to 24-28 weeks associated with lower cord venous IL-6 in male fetuses
- p = 0.006
Further findings
Mediation of placental IL-6 and neonatal adiposity by cord venous markers
- Lower cord glucose and insulin concentrations and insulin resistance mediated the association between increased placental IL-6 and reduced neonatal adiposity
- P < 0.05
Original publication
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. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. Published 7 May 2026. doi:10.
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