The mechanism of probiotics in pregnancy outcomes in overweight or obese pregnant women based on meta-analysis, network pharmacology and molecular docking
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity among women of reproductive age is increasing worldwide. Obesity significantly increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The effectiveness of probiotics in improving the pregnancy outcomes of overweight or obese pregnant women is still controversial.
METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science were searched for relevant articles up to May 30, 2025. Revman 5.4 was used for the meta-analysis. In network pharmacology, the gutMGene database was used to obtain the bioactive components of probiotics, and the SwissTargetPrediction platform was used to predict the targets of the active components. The related targets of diseases were obtained through OMIM and GeneCards databases and the bioactive compound-target network was constructed. AutoDockTools software was used for molecular docking verification.
RESULTS: Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1563 participants were included in the meta-analysis.The results showed no significant difference between probiotic and control in improving adverse pregnancy outcomes.However, subgroup analyses indicated that the combination of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus significantly reduced the risk of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) (RR = 0.54, 95% CI [0.30,0.96], P = 0.04). Network pharmacology identified 46 bioactive metabolites and 166 targets. The key bioactive metabolites of probiotics were arctigenin, aglycone, 10-Oxo-11-octadecenoic acid, doconexent,…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,563 participants or records.
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