Obesity-Induced Down-Regulation of the Mitochondrial Translocator Protein (TSPO) Impairs Placental Steroid Production

Context: Low concentrations of estradiol and progesterone are hallmarks of adverse pregnancy outcomes as is maternal obesity. During pregnancy, placental cholesterol is the sole source of sex steroids. Cholesterol trafficking is the limiting step in sex steroid biosynthesis and is mainly mediated by the translocator protein (TSPO), present in the mitochondrial outer membrane. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of maternal obesity in placental sex steroid biosynthesis and TSPO regulation. Design/Participants: One hundred forty-four obese (body mass index 30–35 kg/m2) and 90 lean (body mass index 19–25 kg/m2) pregnant women (OP and LP, respectively) recruited at scheduled term cesarean delivery. Placenta and maternal blood were collected. Setting: This study was conducted at MetroHealth Medical Center (Cleveland, Ohio). Main Outcome Measures: Maternal metabolic components (fasting glucose, insulin, leptin, estradiol, progesterone, and total cholesterol) and placental weight...