Maternal smoking and its short- or long-term impact on offspring liver pathologies: a review of experimental and clinical studies

This review investigates the correlation between prenatal tobacco exposure and the risk of liver diseases in offspring. By synthesizing data from clinical trials and animal studies, it provides a comprehensive overview of the potential mechanisms underlying this association. This review begins by analyzing the prevalence of maternal smoking and its impact on fetal development. It then discusses specific liver diseases observed in offspring exposed prenatally to tobacco, such as acute liver injuries and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, and discusses the underlying pathophysiological pathways. Current evidence indicates that altered fetal liver development, oxidative stress, and genetic modifications may predispose offspring to liver diseases. Furthermore, this review highlights the gaps in current research and the need for longitudinal studies to better understand the long-term effects of prenatal tobacco exposure on the liver. The review concludes with recommendations for public health policies aimed at enhancing our understanding of maternal smoking and mitigating its adverse effects on offspring, emphasizing the importance of smoking cessation during pregnancy.