Maternal Obesity Modulates Postpartum Inflammatory and Hormonal Profiles, Without Detectable Differences in Tested Redox Markers

PROBLEM: Maternal obesity is associated with elevated inflammatory markers, hormonal dysregulation, and metabolic disturbances. However, how maternal obesity modulates systemic inflammatory, hormonal, and redox profiles in the peripartum and postpartum periods remains incompletely understood. METHOD OF STUDY: This observational study evaluated inflammatory biomarkers, steroid hormone levels, and oxidative stress markers in obese (n = 8) and non-obese (n = 11) pregnant women undergoing labor induction. Peripheral maternal blood samples were collected immediately before induction and again within approximately 5-10 mins after delivery. Placental tissue was collected postpartum within the same interval. Comparative analyses between groups and time points were performed using repeated-measures statistical models. RESULTS: C-reactive protein (CRP) levels increased postpartum only in the obese group, indicating an enhanced inflammatory response after delivery. In contrast, interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels declined postpartum only in the non-obese group. No between-group differences were detected in the oxidative stress markers assessed, either in maternal blood or placental tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal obesity is associated with distinct postpartum inflammatory and hormonal profiles, characterized by sustained CRP elevation and altered cytokine dynamics. No between-group differences were detected in the redox markers assessed, suggesting preserved redox balance in the parameters evaluated. These findings highlight the importance of considering postpartum immune modulation in obese parturients and support further investigation into obesity-associated inflammatory regulation during the peripartum period.