Longitudinal study of fatty acids in plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids during pregnancy.

AIM: To assess the modifications of the main fatty acids (FA) in plasma and red blood cells during pregnancy. METHODS: A longitudinal study of 36 normal pregnant women was carried out with 3 cut-off points: first trimester, second trimester and third trimester. 14 FA in plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids were measured using capillary gas chromatography. Measurements were expressed in percentages and in absolute values. RESULTS: In plasma there was a significant increase in the proportion of saturated FA and a decrease in the proportion of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) both in the omega 6 (omega 6) and omega 3 (omega 3) series. On the other hand, in erythrocyte phospholipids there was a decrease in the proportion of eicosapentaenoic acid and an increase in that of docosahexaenoic acid. In the omega 6 series, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid increased, whereas the omega 6 docosapentaenoic acid decreased. CONCLUSION: There was a significant decrease in the proportion of omega 3 PUFA in plasma from the first to the third trimester. Thus, it is suggested that the omega 3 PUFA intake during pregnancy should be increased in the last trimester.

Increased tissue concentrations of arachidonic acid in umbilical artery and placenta in fetal growth retardation.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the fatty acid phospholipid composition of the umbilical artery and the placenta in cases of fetal growth retardation (FGR) and of normal growth, as well as in symmetric and asymmetric FGR. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: University hospital. POPULATION: Thirty-nine FGR cases (12 asymmetric, 27 symmetric) and 78 cases with normal growth. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Thin layer gas-liquid capillary chromatography of phospholipid fatty acids in umbilical artery and placental cotyledons. Newborns were classified as FGR if their weight was under the 10th percentile for our center. FGR was defined as symmetric if the ponderal index was >2.32, and as asymmetric if it was <2.32. RESULTS: In FGR, arachidonic acid was significantly increased both in placenta (24.05%+/-2.78 vs 22.46%+/-2.93) and in umbilical artery (16.76%+/-2.40 vs 15.58%+/-3.67). Indeed this increase was significantly higher in asymmetric than in symmetric FGR (25.70+/-2.32 vs 23.32+/-2.68 in placenta and 18.06+/-1.46 vs 16.14 +/-2.53 in umbilical artery). On the other hand, in the placenta there were a number of differences in the metabolic ratios analyzed when comparing symmetric and asymmetric FGR, indicating a lower DHA availability and a higher n-6 fatty acid elongation and desaturation in asymmetric FGR. CONCLUSION: FGR is characterized by an increase in arachidonic acid both in the placenta and umbilical artery phospolipids, probably reflecting a different mobilization from tissue stores. It is speculated that the different arterial composition could be partially responsible for the increased cardiovascular risk of FGR in adulthood. On the other hand the metabolic status of the placenta concerning polyunsaturated fatty acids was very different in symmetric and asymmetric FGR, suggesting a different pathogenesis.

Intake of long chain w3 polyunsaturated fatty acids during pregnancy and the influence of levels in the mother on newborn levels.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between the free intake of long chain w3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (w3 LCP) during pregnancy and the levels in the mother with the levels in the neonate. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: University hospital. SUBJECTS: One hundred and sixty-two mother-neonate pairs from normal at-term pregnancies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Dietetic interview in order to assess the w3 LCP intake. w3 LCPs were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography in plasma (expressed as percentage and as total amount) and in erythrocyte phospholipids (expressed as percentage) from mothers and neonates. RESULTS: The w3 LCP intake assessed by the dietetic interview was significantly correlated with w3 LCP levels in the plasma of both mothers and neonates. The levels of w3 LCPs in mothers and neonates were significantly correlated both in plasma fatty acids (expressed both as a percentage and absolute values) and in erythrocyte phospholipids (in percentage) (r=0.49-0.22). CONCLUSION: In an apparently well-nourished population the w3 LCP levels of the newborn infants are clearly influenced by those of their mothers. The higher the levels in mothers, the higher those in the neonates. The w3 LCP intake assessed by an interview also showed a significant influence, but to a lesser extent.

Long chain W3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and lipid pattern in the mother and the newborn infant.

We studied 162 mother-neonate pairs to determine the relationship between w3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (w3LCP) intake during pregnancy and their levels in the mother and the neonate, and the general lipid pattern in the mother and the neonate. A dietetic interview was performed to assess the w3LCP intake during pregnancy. In both mothers and neonates we studied the w3LCPs in plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids and also the general lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, triglycerides, apo A1 and apo B). The w3LCP intake assessed by the dietetic interview (0.74 +/- 0.52 g/day) did not correlated with any of the parameters of the general lipid pattern in mothers or neonates. In mothers, the w3LCP levels in plasma expressed in percentages showed a positive correlation with apo A1 and HDL-c, and a negative correlation with triglycerides and apo B. The w3LCPs levels in mothers showed an inconsistent and weak correlation with triglycerides and apo B in neonates. When w3LCPs levels were assessed in the neonates themselves a consistent positive correlation was found with triglycerides. We concluded that in the dietetic range of our population, the intake of w3LCPs was not associated to any changes in the general lipid pattern of mothers or neonates. Whereas the w3LCP levels in mothers were correlated with the changes in the general lipid pattern reported outside pregnancy, such correlations were not present in regard to the neonate general profile, whereas the newborn's w3LCP levels were correlated with triglycerides. We believe that the hypertriglyceridemia of pregnancy, the placenta and the peculiarities of fetal metabolism are the causes of the aforementioned findings.

Biochemical markers of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid intake during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: To assess the relationship between the mothers' intake of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFA) during pregnancy and their levels in plasma and tissue. METHODS: 162 mothers were studied during labor. Three groups were differentiated according to the n3 LC PUFA intake assessed by means of a dietetic interview: superior intake (SIG) (> 0.721 g/day), medium intake (MIG) (from 0.382 to 0.721 g/day) and inferior intake (IIG) (< 0.381 g/day). Fatty acids (FA) were studied by capillary chromatography in plasma and in erythrocyte phospholipids. RESULTS: The fatty acids (FA), expressed in absolute values, did not show any significant differences among the aforementioned groups. However, three were some trends which were confirmed when the FA were expressed in percentages. Thus, higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were found in SIG both in plasma and in the erythrocyte membrane, when expressed in percentages. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was also higher in the SIG in the erythrocyte membrane, whereas in plasma the differences were of marginal significance. On the other hand, arachidonic and linoleic acids had lower values in the SIG in erythrocytes. The theoretical optimal intake of n-3 LC PUFA corresponded to a plasma concentration of 117.9 +/- 45.9 mcg/ml n-3 LC PUFA or 2.54% of the total fatty content (2.29% of DHA). The corresponding cut-offs in erythrocyte membranes were 7.54% of total lipids (5.59% of DHA). CONCLUSION: The best markers of n-3 LC PUFA intake were DHA for plasma and DHA and EPA for erythrocyte phospholipids, all of them expressed in proportions of total FA. The arachidonic and linoleic acids (in percentages) in erythrocyte phospholipids were also good markers of n-3 intake. This probably reflects the metabolic competition between both PUFA families.

Niveles de triglicéridos, colesterol y lipoproteínas en la madre y su recién nacido / Triglycerides levels, cholesterol and lipoproteins in the mother and their newborn

Se analiza en 162 parejas madre-neonato el perfil lipídico compuesto por los triglicéridos, el colesterol el HDL-c (colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de alta densidad), el LDL-c(colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de baja densidad), a las apolipoproteínas de A1 u B

Niveles de triglicéridos, colesterol y lipoproteínas en la madre y su recién nacido / Triglycerides levels, cholesterol and lipoproteins in the mother and their newborn

Se analiza en 162 parejas madre-neonato el perfil lipídico compuesto por los triglicéridos, el colesterol el HDL-c (colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de alta densidad), el LDL-c(colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de baja densidad), a las apolipoproteínas de A1 u B (AU)

Influence of fatty fish intake during pregnancy in the polyunsaturated fatty acids of erythrocyte phospholipids in the mother at labor and newborn infant.

BACKGROUND: Assessing the relationship between fatty fish intake, the main source of N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and maternal and fetal levels in erythrocytes at labor. METHODS: The fatty acid composition was studied in 64 mother-newborn infant pairs by means of capillar gas chromatography. Following a nutritional inquiry our population was classified as follows: superior intake group (SIG) (> 4 times fatty fish per month; 54.4 +/- 20.5 g/day), medium intake group (MIG) (2-4 per month; 16.5 +/- 4 g/day) and inferior intake group (IIG) (< 2 times per month; 4.3 +/- 4 g/day). RESULTS: In erythrocyte phospholipids higher levels were observed in SIG in relation to IIG in mothers regarding eicosapentaenoic (0.56 +/- 0.3% and 0.39 +/- 0.2%; p = 0.02) and docosahexaenoic acids (6.14 +/- 1.16% and 5.4 +/- 0.98%; p = 0.02) and in newborn infants regarding eicosapentaenoic acid (0.32 +/- 0.24% and 0.17 +/- 0.09%; p < 0.01). On the other hand, SIG had lower values of arachidonic acid than IIG in mother (11.15 +/- 1.61% vs 12.83 +/- 1.86%; p < 0.01) and newborn infants (16.08 +/- 3.42% vs 17.89 +/- 2.57%; p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: From a biochemical point of view, and taking into account the pre-existing literature, it is suggested that a minimum fatty fish intake of twice per month should be recommended (edible portion 85 g.) in order to reach the N-6/N-3 quotient usually proposed.

Intrauterine growth retardation and plasma fatty acids in the mother and the fetus.

BACKGROUND: Assessing the relationship between plasma fatty acids, specially polyunsaturated fatty acids in the mother and the fetus and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in an apparently well-nourished population. DESIGN: Case-control intrapartum analysis. SETTING: Academic tertiary hospital. PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: There were 17 IUGR newborn cases (23 mothers) and 34 newborn control cases (46 mothers). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Eleven fatty acids were blindly analysed in plasma by means of gas chromatography. RESULTS: Percentage values of eicosapentaenoic acid among mothers from the IUGR group were significantly higher than controls, whereas stearic absolute values were significantly reduced. On the other hand there were no differences in percentage values nor in absolute values regarding the 11 fatty acids analysed in newborn infants. CONCLUSION: In an apparently well-nourished population IUGR is not associated with an alteration in plasma fatty acids on the fetal side. However, on the maternal side some imbalance in eicosapentaenoic and stearic acids were found which will require further study.

Polyunsaturated fatty acid status in patients with phenylketonuria.

To determine whether the n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels can be affected by the PKU diet, fatty acid composition was studied in PKU subjects and controls together with their lipid intake. The study population consisted of 40 PKU patients treated with a phenylalanine-restricted diet. Controls were 50 children on whom preoperative tests had been carried out for minor surgery. Methyl esters were obtained from plasma and red blood-cells and separated by gas chromatography. PKU patients showed lower docosahexaenoic acid levels (22: 6 n-3) (p < 0.001) and higher n-6 series levels in plasma (18:2 n-6) (p < 0.001) and in red blood-cells (20: 4 n-6) (p < 0.001) than the control population. Since docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acids are fundamental structural components for normal brain development, it seems necessary to consider a dietary adjustment in these patients.

Blue fish intake and percentual levels of polyunsaturated plasmatic fatty acids at labor in the mother and the newborn infant.

To assess the relationship between maternal blue fish intake during pregnancy and n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid percentual levels in the mother and the newborn infant. Retrospective dietetic investigation at labor regarding fatty fish intake and blind plasma fatty acid analysis. Patients participants: 35 mothers and their newborn infants were studied in the Academic tertiary hospital. Mothers were classified in "blue fish high intake" group (blue fish intake > 35 g/day), intermediate intake group (12-35 g/day) and low intake group (< 12 g/day). Eleven fatty acids were analysed in plasma by means of gas chromatography. Percentual arachidonic acid levels were lower in "blue fish high intake" group mothers. Regarding the newborn infants, no differences were found concerning maternal intake. In the "intermediate intake" group of mothers, a correlation was found for maternal and fetal levels in the following fatty acids: myristic, linoleic and linolenic acids, as well as in the sum of n-6 fatty acids. Although blue fish intake influences maternal plasma levels of arachidonic acid, it does not play a decisive role in either maternal or fetal eicosapentaenoic or docosahexaenoic acid levels. Other factors need to be considered such as n-6/n-3 metabolic interaction, other nutrient composition and especially the role of placenta and fetal liver in the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Cross-sectional study of percentual changes in total plasmatic fatty acids during pregnancy.

Total plasma fatty acids were analysed in 75 first trimester pregnant women, 32 second trimester pregnant women, 27 women at delivery and 38 non-pregnant women. Eleven fatty acids were studied by capillar gas chromatography SP-column. Compared with non-pregnant women, in the first trimester there was a significant percentual increase in palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic and docosahexaenoic acids, whereas linoleic and eicosapentaenoic percentually decreased. Between the first and second trimester a significant increase in the proportion of palmitic acid and a significant percentual decrease in arachidonic acid was detected. Between the second trimester and delivery the aforementioned changes were more marked. Between the second trimester and delivery there was also a significant percentual increase in oleic and linolenic acids, whereas the proportions of stearic, linoleic, dihomogammalinolenic and docosahexaenoic acids significantly decreased. It is suggested that the intake in polyunsaturated fatty acids should be increased during pregnancy, specially in the third trimester.