Authors: Zhang Weili

Abstract

Background and Objective:  Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) play an important role in the regulation of fat metabolism in the placenta and fetus. Changes in placental function in pre-eclampsia affect the transport of fatty acids and affect fetal nutrition. The aim of the study was to compare LCPUFA levels in blood, placenta and cord blood of pregnant women with or without pre-eclampsia.

Methods:  The blood, placenta and umbilical cord blood of pregnant women (n = 30 each) who were normotensive and with pre-eclampsia were collected. The levels of fatty acids in maternal blood, placenta and umbilical cord blood were determined by the quartz capillary gas chromatography technique.

Results:  The average age of normal pregnant women was 27.0±4.5 years and that of pre-eclampsia pregnant women was 30±4.0 years (P > 0.05). The levels of total fatty acids, arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were higher in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia than in normal women. The level of linoleic acid in cord blood and placenta was significantly higher in pre-eclampsia group than in the normal pregnant women while linoleic acid content in maternal blood being lower in pre-eclampsia group compared to the normal maternal group.

Conclusion:  The changes of LCPUFA in blood, placenta and umbilical blood of pre-eclampsia may be related to the changes of LCPUFA in placenta. These changes may be involved in the pathophysiological process of pre-eclampsia. Maternal supplement of LCPUFA, such as DHA, in early gestation may be helpful in improving morbidity associated with maternal eclampsia.

Keywords: Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, Maternal blood, Cord blood, Placenta, Preeclampsia