High plasma adenosine levels in overweight/obese pregnant women.

Abstract

We aim to investigate whether overweight/obese pregnant women have elevated plasma levels of adenosine associated with increased consumption of high-calorie food. Sixty women were included. They were divided into lean (n=23 and n=12) or overweight/obese (n=7 and n=18) non-pregnant and pregnant women, respectively. Clinical records and maternal blood samples were collected after informed consent. A self-reported dietary questionnaire was also completed. Plasma adenosine levels were determined with high-performance liquid chromatography. Biochemical parameters, including glucose, total protein, and lipid profile, were determined using standard colorimetric assays. Adenosine levels were higher in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women (18.7±1.6 vs 10.8±1.3nM/μg protein, respectively, p<0.0001). Overweight/obese pregnant women (21.9±2.5nM/μg protein) exhibited higher adenosine levels than lean pregnant (14.5±1.0nM/μg protein, p=0.04) or non-pregnant women (11.7±1.5nM/μg protein, p=0.0005). Also, pregnant women with elevated weight gain exhibited higher (26.2±3.7nM/μg protein) adenosine levels than those with adequate weight gain (14.9±1.4nM/μg protein, p=0.03). These differences were not statistically significant compared with those of pregnant women with reduced weight gain (17.4±2.1nM/μg protein, p=0.053). Body mass index and adenosine only in pregnant women were positively correlated (r=0.39, p=0.02). While, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) consumption was negatively correlated with plasma adenosine levels only in non-pregnant women (r=-0.33, p=0.03). Pregnancy is associated with high plasma adenosine levels, which are further elevated in pregnant women who are overweight/obese. High PUFA intake might reduce plasma adenosine levels in non-pregnant women.