Reduced docosahexaenoic acid content in neonatal erythrocytes from obese mothers
Loading...
Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Background and objectives: Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are an essential component for normal growth and development of the fetus and newborn. They participate in the control of cellular growth, metabolism, intercellular communication and gene expression, relevant for the physiopathology of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic are the most known fatty acids from omega 3 family. It is known that low concentrations of omega-3 in humans is associated with disturbance of cellular metabolism, including neurological and visual development. The objective of this study was to describe and compare fatty acid profile from normal and obese pregnant woman, then determine the relationship of mother´s nutritional status with neonatal
DHA levels. Methods: 17 pregnant women (7 normal weight, 10 obese) were recruited at the Clinical Hospital of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile after Ethical Committee approval and informed consent. Mother venous blood was collected, and newborn’s blood samples were obtained from the umbilical cord vein at the moment of delivery. Fatty acids profile was determined in red blood cell by liquid gas chromatography. Results: There was a trend of higher omega-6/omega-3 ratio in newborn erythrocytes from obese pregnant women compared to controls (3.78±0.37 vs 2.81±0.09, respectively, p= 0.065, Mean±SEM). There was a negative association between newborn DHA levels and mother’s body mass index (r²=0.7, p=0.037). A lower concentration of DHA occurred in neonatal erythrocytes from obese mothers, compared to those with normal weight for height and gestational age at the end of pregnancy (140.3±7.68 vs
103.9±6.83 mg/dL, respectively, p=0.016, Mean±SEM). Conclusions: There is a decreased concentration of DHA in neonatal erythrocytes from obese women. Due to the relevance of DHA during pregnancy and development of the newborn, the results of the present study put in evidence the importance of considering anadequate reposition of DHA in obese pregnant women. Nutritional status, fatty acid profile, DHA concentrations, their relationship and physiopathology mechanisms involved require further research. Keywords: Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids; Docosahexaenoic acid; obesity; newborn.