The Effect of Exercise-induced Myokines on Placental Health and Function

Abstract

Background: Exercise in pregnancy is associated with optimized fetal growth; however, the implicated mechanisms remain unknown. We hypothesize that exercise-induced myokines may be acting on the placenta to optimize fetal growth across gestation.

Methodology: 1) Circulating profiles of 11 myokines were analyzed in 2nd trimester plasma of women characterized as active (N=14) or non-active (N=16) during pregnancy. 2) First trimester human placental explants (N=5) were treated with SPARC in a dose-dependent manner (0-150ng/ml). Metrics of placental health/function, including GLUT-4 expression/regulation, were assessed.

Results: 1) Active women demonstrated an elevation in circulating SPARC compared to non-active women (86±19pg/ml vs. 52±18pg/ml, p=0.0001). 2) Explants treated with SPARC at 100ng/ml demonstrated improved invasion, with improved maximum outgrowth distance (N=3; p=0.0219).

Conclusion: SPARC is a myokine that is elevated in the circulation of active pregnant women and is associated with improved placental invasion, suggesting a possible role of SPARC in placentation.