Lipid Profiles In Pregnant Women Research Articles

Trimester-specific hemodynamics of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and its relation to lipid profile in pregnant women

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent organic pollutants widely detected in blood from pregnant women, yet limited study evaluated the trimester-specific variance of serum PFAS, and even less is known for the window of vulnerability to lipids metabolism interrupting effects of PFAS during pregnancy. We quantified 16 legacy, 3 emerging PFAS, and lipid biomarkers in 286 serum samples from 118 pregnant women. All target PFAS, except perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA), in maternal serum showed moderate to low temporal irregular variability across gestation (average intraclass correlation coefficients ≥ 0.57), while the generalized estimating equations showed a significant declining trend in the serum levels during pregnancy (p for trend < 0.05). The decline of 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate in maternal serum was the greatest with a change of − 21.63% from 1st to 2nd trimester, which indicated a possible higher accumulation of this emerging PFAS in fetal compartment. Multiple linear regression, multiple informant model and Bayesian kernel machine regression showed a higher vulnerability in the 1st trimester to effects of PFAS exposure on serum lipids of pregnant women. The results highlighted the importance of the study timing of PFAS exposure during pregnancy.

No effect of a low dose of omega-3 on the lipid profile of pregnant women with obesity: a randomized trial

Objective: Evaluate the lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight gain of pregnant women with obesity and the effect of a low dose (1,1 g/day) of omega-3 on these parameters. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was performed from May 1st, 2019 to October 31th, 2022 with pregnant women diagnosed with obesity by arrival BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2. The participants were randomized into two groups: omega-3 and control. All pregnant women received standard prenatal follow-up and the same diet and physical exercise instructions. Laboratory tests were performed at three different times: first moment with gestational age (GA 12-20 weeks), second (GA 24-28 weeks) and third (GA 32-34 weeks) measuring maternal serum levels of glucose, total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides (TG) as well as weight gain and BMI were monitored. Results: A total of 172 pregnant women with obesity were evaluated. Of these, 87 (50.6%) composed the control group and 85 (49.4%) the omega-3 group. There was no difference of lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, BMI and weight gain values between groups during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd evaluation moments. Conclusion: Low dose (1,1 g/day) of omega-3 showed no effect on the lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, BMI and weight gain in pregnant women with obesity in omega-3 group during the evaluation moments.

Correlation of Maternal Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Levels With Lipid Profile in Pregnant Women With Hypothyroidism.

Introduction Pregnancy leads to changes in hormonal levels and lipid profile. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in embryonic growth and fetal development. Untreated thyroid disease during pregnancy can lead to a high risk of complications. Aim The aim of the study is to examine the correlation between thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and lipid profile in pregnant women with hypothyroidism. Materials and methods This cross-sectional case-control study was conducted at the Biochemistry Department, Alfalah School of Medical Science & Research Centre, Dhauj, Faridabad, Haryana, India.The study consisted of 500 patients (250 cases and 250 controls) who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the 250 cases recruited, 23 cases were in the 2nd trimester and 209 cases were in the 3rd trimester. Blood samples were collected from the participants to assess their lipid profile and TSH levels. Results The study showeda statistically significant difference between the mean TSH levels of hypothyroid pregnant females in the 2nd trimester (3.85 ± 0.59) and the 3rd trimester (4.71 ± 0.54). There was a significant positive correlation observed between TSH and Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, and LDL-C in both the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.In the second trimester, there was a significant positive correlation observed between TSH & TC (r = 0.6634, p<0.0005), TSH & TG (r= 0.7346, p=0.00006), TSH & LDL (r= 0.5322, p= 0.008). In the third trimester, there was a significant positive correlation observed between TSH & TC (r = 0.8929, p<0.00001), TSH & TG (r= 0.430, p<0.00001), TSH & LDL (r= 0.168, p= 0.015). However, no significant correlation was found between TSH levels and HDL-C in either trimester. The correlation coefficient and p-value for TSH & HDL were r = 0.2083, p=0.340 in the second trimester, and r = 0.0189, p=0.2384 in the third trimester. Conclusion A significant increase in TSH levels in hypothyroid pregnant women was observed in the 3rd trimester compared to the second trimester. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was found between TSH and lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL) in both trimesters, but not with HDL. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring thyroid hormone levels in the later stages of pregnancy to avoid potential maternal & fetal complications.

Lipid Profile among Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women in Rajshahi City

Background: Pregnancy is a physiological state with rapid hormonal and metabolic changes that helps the growth and survival of the fetus properly. However, biochemical profile derangement may lead to pregnancy complications and, eventually maybe, death. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether lipid profile (Serum total cholesterol, Serum triglyceride, HDL-C, and LDL-C) during 3rd trimester of pregnancy differs from non-pregnant women of similar reproductive life.&#x0D; Materials &amp; Methods: This cross-sectional type of comparative study was carried out in the Physiology Department of Rajshahi Medical College in collaboration with the Maternity and Child Welfare Centre (MCWC), Rajshahi, over a period of 12 months from January 2019 to December 2019 among the pregnant and non-pregnant women to investigate the lipid profile during 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Approval from the Ethical Review Committee (ERC) was obtained prior to the commencement of the study. A pre-designed, validated, structured questionnaire was used to gather information from 120 women by purposive sampling technique. Of them, 60 were pregnant women, and 60 were non-pregnant healthy women.&#x0D; Results: The Results showed that the total serum cholesterol, serum triglyceride, and LDL-C were raised among pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women, and these were statistically significant (p &lt; 0.001). But no significant difference in HDL-C was found between the two groups (p &gt; 0.05). In this study, it was found that there was a substantial raised in lipid profile in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy compared with non-pregnant healthy women. So, regular monitoring of the lipid profile of pregnant women should be done to avoid adverse pregnancy outcomes.&#x0D; Conclusion: Total metabolism is increased due to the needs of the growing fetus and the uterus. Basal metabolic rate may be increased up to 30% higher than that of the average for non-pregnant women.&#x0D; TAJ 2022; 35: No-2: 51-58

The effects of first trimester cholesterol levels on pregnancy outcomes

The purpose of this study was to determine whether changes in lipid profile in pregnant women might have any effect on the perinatal outcomes. This retrospective study was conducted between January 2020 and December 2020 by evaluating data drawn from the hospital database. The total serum cholesterol(C), HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C and triglycerides levels were measured in 587 women during the first trimester of pregnancy and confounding factors were analyzed. The mean age was 27 years. The mean gravida and parity were 2 and 1 respectively. The mean birth weight of newborn was 3280 g. The mean Apgar score was 9 at 0 and 5 minutes respectively. The vaginal delivery rate was 68.3% whereas caeserian delivery rate was 31.7%. Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) was needed in 0.5% of newborns. There was no significant statistical difference between the rates of caeserian section and vaginal delivery in patients with respect to lipid profile levels. The total serum cholesterol(C), triglycerides, LDL-C and VLDL-C levels were significantly higher in mothers of babies hospitalized in NICU.HDL-C level was similar between two groups. Adequate lipid levels in the first trimester of pregnancy are crucial for the health of pregnant women and newborn. High levels of lipids can increase NICU need but not effect way of delivery.

Effect of gestational diabetes mellitus on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can have adverse effects on pregnancy. GDM is associated with changes in the lipid profile of pregnant women. Finding out the early ways to diagnose GDM can prevent the adverse outcomes. This meta-analysis study aimed to determine the effect of GDM on lipid profile. PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrial were systematically searched for published articles relating to GDM until 2021 according to PRISMA guidelines. Newcastle Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of the studies. Thirty-three studies with a sample size of 23,792 met the criteria for entering the meta-analysis. Pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) for total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) was 0.23 mg/dL (95% CI: 0.11–0.34) and 1.14 mg/dL (95% CI: 0.91–1.38), respectively. The mean of TC and TG in people with GDM was higher than that in normal pregnant women. A similar pattern was observed for the very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and TG/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio, with pooled SMD of 0.99 mg (95% CI: 0.71–1.27) and 0.65 mg (95% CI: 0.36–0.94), respectively. Pooled SMD for HDL was −0.35 mg/dL (95% CI: −0.54 to −0.16), women with GDM had a mean HDL lower than normal pregnant women. Although pooled SMD was higher for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the GDM group, this difference was not significant (0.14 [95% CI: −0.04 to 0.32]). Of all the lipid profiles, the largest difference between the GDM and control groups was observed in TG (SMD: 1.14). Elevated serum TG had the strongest effect on GDM. Higher levels of TC, LDL, VLDL, and TG/HDL ratio, and lower level of HDL were exhibited in GDM group. So, these markers can be considered as a reliable marker in the diagnosis of GDM.

Predictive Value of Second-Trimester Maternal Lipid Profiling in Early-Onset Pre-eclampsia: A Prospective Cohort Study and Nomogram.

Purpose: Maternal lipid profile in second trimester has rarely been investigated in the risk assessment for pre-eclampsia (PE). Since early-onset PE often companied by much worse clinical outcomes, thus, we aimed to evaluate the predictive value of second-trimester maternal lipid profiling for early-onset PE.Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted to measure the second-trimester maternal lipid profile of pregnant women from January to December 2019. The pairwise association between maternal lipid profile and PE onset or pregnancy termination time was quantified. Multiple logistic regression was preformed to define risk factors for early-onset PE, and a nomogram for early-onset PE was developed. The net benefit of our model was evaluated by calibration curve and decision curve analyses.Results: We enrolled 5,908 pregnant women and they were divided into healthy (n = 5,789), late-onset PE (n = 64), and early-onset PE (n = 55) groups. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) were elevated in patients with PE, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) was decreased in patients with PE. TC, TG, and LDL-c were negatively correlated with PE onset time or gestational week at delivery. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) defined the cutoff values of TG and HDL-c, and the final regression model included five statistically significant risk predictors for early-onset PE (maternal age of ≥35 years, multipara, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2, second trimester TG ≥ 2.59 mmol/L and second trimester HDL-c ≤ 2.03 mmol/L. The nomogram had an excellent diagnostic performance (area under the curve = 0.912, sensitivity = 92.7%, and specificity = 76%) and was further validated with good calibration and positive net benefits in a decision curve analysis.Conclusions: An abnormally increased TG concentration and a decreased HDL-c concentration might serve as predictors of early-onset PE. Whether blood lipid-lowering measures can improve severe PE prognosis require further clarification.

Differential lipids in pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism and their correlation to the pregnancy outcomes

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) has become a prevalent complication in pregnancy. Recent research links SCH to disturbed thyroid lipid profile; however, it is unclear how lipid metabolism disorders contribute to the pathogenesis of SCH during pregnancy. Thus, we used nontargeted lipidomics to identify and compare the lipids and metabolites expressed by pregnant women with SCH and healthy pregnant women. Multivariate analysis revealed 143 lipid molecules differentially expressed between the SCH group and the control group. Based on fold change, 30 differentially expressed lipid metabolites are potential biomarkers. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed metabolites participate in several pathways, including response to pathogenic Escherichia coli infection, regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, metabolic pathways, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and fat digestion and absorption pathways. Correlation analyses revealed sphingomyelin (SM) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) positively correlate to tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), while phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and phosphatidylinositol (PI) negatively correlate with them. In addition, PG positively correlates to birth weight. Thus, the lipid profile of pregnant women with SCH is significantly different from that of healthy pregnant women. Lipid molecules associated with the differential lipid metabolism, such as SM, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and PI, should be further investigated for their roles in the pathogenesis of SCH in pregnancy, as they might be targets for reducing the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

A study of biochemical parameters in pregnant women in III trimester with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Introduction and Aim: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the common causes of liver cirrhosis among general population.Studieshave identified NAFLD and evaluated lipid profile in pregnant women. Some have explored association that existed between lipid levels and adverse pregnancy outcome in western countries. Our aim was to find the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in pregnant women among rural population in their III trimester and to assess dyslipidemia in these women.&#x0D; &#x0D; Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study conducted on 101 rural pregnant women coming for antenatal visits in their third trimester to Dept.,of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,PESIMSR, Kuppam.Liver scan was done during the regular obstetric scan to identify NAFLD. All pregnant women underwent lipid profile testing (Triglyceride,Total Cholesterol, HDL,LDL,VLDL).&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: There was a 1% prevalence of NAFLD among 101 rural expectant mothers.Lipid profile significantly (p&lt;0.05)increased with increased BMI, parity and highly educated and fairly good socioeconomic background. Women with higher body mass index and triglyceride levels delivered babies with large birth weight(p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: There are metabolic derangements in pregnant women leading to dyslipidemia even among those who did not have NAFLD. High parity women and those with high atherogenicity are at cardiovascular risk diseases in future. We suggest further studies to establish biological reference ranges for lipid profile during pregnancy. There is a need for, pregnant women to be assessed for dyslipidemia and screened for NAFLD by scanning liver along with routine obstetric scan in tertiary care centre.

The association between perfluoroalkyl substances and lipid profile in exposed pregnant women in the Veneto region, Italy

BackgroundResidents of a large area of North-Eastern Italy were exposed for decades to high concentrations of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) via drinking water. Serum PFAS levels have been consistently associated with elevated serum lipids, but few studies have been conducted among pregnant women, and none has stratified analyses by trimester of gestation. Elevated serum lipid levels during pregnancy can have both immediate and long-lasting effects on pregnant women and the developing fetus. We evaluated the association between perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluoro-hexanesulfonate (PFHxS) levels in relation to lipid profiles in highly-exposed pregnant women. MethodsA cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 319 pregnant women (age 14–48 years) enrolled in the Regional health surveillance program. Non-fasting blood samples were obtained in any trimester of pregnancy and analyzed for PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated. The associations between ln-transformed PFAS (and categorized into quartiles) and lipids were assessed using generalized additive models. Analyses were adjusted for potential confounders and stratified according to pregnancy trimester. ResultsThe geometric means of PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS were 14.78 ng/mL, 2.67 ng/mL and 1.89 ng/mL, respectively. The plasma levels of TC, HDL-C and LDL-C increased steadily throughout the trimesters. In the 1st trimester, PFOS was positively associated with TC and PFHxS with HDL-C. In the 3rd trimester, instead, an inverse relationship was seen between PFOA and PFHxS and both TC and LDL-C. ConclusionsResults suggest the associations between PFAS concentrations and lipid profiles in pregnant women might differ by trimesters of pregnancy. In the first trimester, patterns are similar to those of non-pregnant women, while they differ late in pregnancy. Different independent behavior of PFAS and lipid levels throughout the pregnancy might explain our observations. These findings support the ubiquitous exposure to PFAS and possible influence on lipid metabolisms during pregnancy and suggest a careful evaluation of the timing of PFAS measurement, when examining effects of PFAS during pregnancy on gestational outcomes related to serum lipids amounts.

Lipid Profile in Pregnant Women With and Without Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control Study

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), the most common metabolic disorder of pregnancy, is associated with alterations in circulating lipids. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare lipid profiles in women with and without GDM. Methods: This study was performed on 84 pregnant women at 26-30 weeks of gestation (42 pregnant women with GDM as cases and 42 healthy pregnant women as controls). After obtaining informed consent and gathering demographic data, subjects underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test and lipid profile was also measured in all subjects. Results: We found that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were significantly higher in the GDM group (53.10±1.72 vs 46.64±1.70 mg/dL, P=0.008). Total cholesterol (228.96±52.03 vs 211.59±41.83 mg/ dL) and triglyceride (TG) levels (225.58±89.84 vs 208.38±80.66 mg/dL) were also higher in the GDM group; however, the differences were not statistically significant (P=0.770 and P=0.327, respectively). On the contrary, low-density lipoprotein was found to be non-significantly higher in the healthy group (144.54±26.01 vs 122.41±4.82 mg/dL, P=0.709). Besides, there was a significant association between HDL levels and GDM (OR: 1.049; 95% CI: 1.009-1.090, P=0.015). This association remained significant when adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), and gestational age (OR: 1.010; 95% CI: 1.002-1.017, P=0.009). No significant association was found between GDM and TG, cholesterol, and LDL levels. Conclusion: HDL levels are significantly higher in pregnant women with GDM compared to pregnant women without GDM. HDL level is significantly associated with GDM even after adjustment for age, BMI, and gestational age.

Evaluation and Comparison of Lipid Profile in Pregnancy and Preeclampsia

Objective: The objective of the study is to evaluate and compare the lipid profile in normotensive pregnancy and in pre-eclamptic pregnant women.Methods: The study was a case-control study, conducted from January 2018 to June 2018. The sample size was 90. Participants were recruited after fulfilling the selection criteria out of which, 45 were normal pregnant females and 45 were pregnant females with Preeclampsia (PE). Participants were placed in two groups namely A and B. Group A were 45 healthy pregnant females and group B were 45 preeclamptic pregnant women. The biophysical parameters included age, weight, height and BMI. Blood pressure was recorded through standard protocols. Blood was taken for lipid profile which includes Cholesterol, Triglyceride and HDL-C, measured through enzymatic colourimetric (CHOD-PAP) method, Glycerol-3-Phosphate Oxidase Phenol Aminophenanzone (GPO-PAP) method and Cholesterol Oxidase-Phenol Aminophenazone (CHOD-PAP) method respectively, however; LDL-cholesterol was calculated through Friedewald's formula. Urinary protein was measured through URS Strips through semi-automated analyser CYBOW reader 300. Data were statistically analysed through IBMSPSS software version 20 with the help of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis, Tukey'sHSD test, independent sample t-test and Pearson correlation analysis by considering p-values 0.05 as a significant.Results: The results of the study revealed a significant rise in the lipid profile of pregnant women with preeclampsia than in normotensive pregnant women including cholesterol, Triglyceride, HDL-C and LDL-C.Conclusion: The study concluded that dyslipidaemia or hyperlipidaemia in early pregnancy could be one of the reasons for developing preeclampsia in late pregnancy and the risk of being hypertensive in advanced age.

Опыт применения каскадной плазмофильтрации при ранней преэклампсии

Objective. To assess the efficacy of cascade filtration plasmapheresis (CFP) for the correction of lipid profile in pregnant women with early preeclampsia. Patients and methods. We analyzed the effect of 5 CFP procedures in 4 pregnant women with preeclampsia detected at gestational age of 23(+0)–30(+4) weeks. We evaluated the dynamics of clinical manifestations of preeclampsia (blood pressure, daily diuresis, and severity of proteinuria), laboratory parameters (Р/С-ratio, lipid profile), and thromboelastometry parameters (ROTEM). We also analyzed the effect of CFP on the sFlt-1 level as it is believed to be a predictor of endothelial aggression in early preeclampsia. Treatment efficacy was assessed by prolongation of pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Results. The inclusion of CFP in the comprehensive therapy for early preeclampsia had a positive effect on the lipid profile, in particular, it ensured a 30% decrease in the level of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL, which reduced atherogenic aggression on the vascular endothelium. Moreover, CFP improved blood rheological properties by decreasing the level of fibrinogen, Willebrand factor, and structural coagulation parameters (MCF FIBTEM) according to the results of rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM). However, we observed no significant changes in sFlt-1 levels in response to lipoprotein apheresis. All women delivered by caesarean section due to clinical and laboratory deterioration of preeclampsia. The time of pregnancy prolongation varied between 4 and 26 days. All newborns were discharged from the hospital in a satisfactory condition. Conclusion. Our experience with CFP demonstrated high effectiveness of extracorporeal therapy in correcting the lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL) and reducing atherogenic aggression on the vascular endothelium. At the same time CFP did not decrease the anti-angiogenic effect of sFlt-1. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings. Key words: cascade filtration plasmapheresis, preeclampsia, sFlt-1, therapeutic aspects

Acute Postexercise Change in Circulating Irisin Is Related to More Favorable Lipid Profile in Pregnant Women Attending a Structured Exercise Program and to Less Favorable Lipid Profile in Controls: An Experimental Study with Two Groups.

Introduction The blood irisin concentrations may be affected both by exercise and pregnancy. We aimed to determine acute responses in serum irisin after a single exercise session and relationships between exercise-induced changes in this hormone and lipid profile in pregnancy. Material and Methods It was an experimental study in 20 Caucasian women in normal pregnancy (age 30 ± 3 years, 28 ± 6 weeks of gestation; mean ± SD). Participants were assigned to training (n = 8) and control groups (n = 12). Before the experiment, women from the training group attended a structured exercise program 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected before and 30 minutes after a single bout of 60-minute moderate- to high-intensity exercise to determine serum levels of irisin, insulin, glucose concentration, and lipid profile. Results At baseline, we recorded slightly lower irisin levels in the training group compared to controls (12.2 ± 2.4 and 13.9 ± 3.3 ng · ml−1, respectively). Only in the training group all women presented increase in irisin levels after exercise (on average by 14%); and this change was statistically significant (p = 0.002). In the controls, we found positive significant relationships between postexercise irisin change and low-density lipoproteins (R = 0.594; p = 0.04) and total cholesterol (R = 0.734; p = 0.006). Surprisingly, in the training group, these relationships were also significant but inverse (R = −0.738 and p = 0.036; R = −0.833 and p = 0.01, respectively). Conclusions Training and control pregnant women responded differently to a single exercise session, both in the postexercise change in irisin and its relationship to the blood lipids. Only in the training group we observed the postexercise increase in irisin, which was related to more favorable lipid profile. Systematic prenatal physical activity may optimize the postexercise irisin response and lipid metabolism regulated by this hormone. Therefore, exercise programs should be promoted in pregnant women and obstetric care providers.

Assessment of Changes in Lipid Profile of Pregnant Women during Periods of Gestation and Post Partum in Chotanagpur – A Descriptive Study

Assessment of Changes in Lipid Profile of Pregnant Women during Periods of Gestation and Post Partum in Chotanagpur – A Descriptive Study

The Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Lipid Profile in Pregnant Women

Introduction: Abnormal lipid profile causes maternal mortality and impairs fetal development. This study investigated the effect of Ramadan fasting on plasma lipid profile in pregnant women. Material and Methods: This self-control, cohort study was performed in healthy volunteer fasted pregnant women. Serum cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), and body mass index (BMI) were measured on 0, 7th, 14th, and 28th days of Ramadan, and two weeks after Ramadan. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS. Results: The mean age and BMI of participants was 26.9±6.4 year and 25±4.2 kg/m respectively. Weight and BMI of women did not change during the study. Cholesterol and LDL significantly increased during Ramadan and decreased after Ramadan (p<0.05). No significant change was seen in TG and HDL during the study (p<0.05). Conclusion: Cholesterol and LDL During Ramadan increases and then decreases. There was no change in the levels of TG and HDL in pregnant women. The present study findings may not be sufficient to definitely conclude that Ramadan fasting is safe during pregnancy.

Effect of daily consumption of probiotic yoghurt on lipid profiles in pregnant women: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Background: Due to enhanced fat storage primarily during the mid-pregnancy period, pregnancy is associated with elevated levels of lipid profiles. To our knowledge, no reports are available indicating the effects of probiotic yoghurt consumption on serum lipid profiles in pregnant women. Objective: This study was designed to determine the effects of daily consumption of probiotic yoghurt on lipid profiles of Iranian pregnant women. Methods: This randomized single-blinded controlled clinical trial was performed among 70 pregnant women, primigravida, aged 18–30 years old who were carrying singleton pregnancy at their third trimester. Subjects were randomly assigned to consume 200 g/d of conventional (n = 33) or the probiotic group (n = 37) for 9 weeks. The probiotic yoghurt was a commercially available product prepared with the starter cultures of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus, enriched with probiotic culture of two strains of lactobacilli (Lactobacillus acidophilus LA5) and bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium animalis BB12) with a total of min 1 × 107 colony-forming units. The conventional yoghurt contained the starter cultures of S. thermophilus and L. bulgaricus. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after 9-weeks intervention to measure serum lipid profiles. Results: Although consumption of probiotic yogurt for 9 weeks had been resulted in a significant reduction in serum total- (−53.7 mg/dL, p = 0.001), LDL- (−35.2 mg/dL, p = 0.006) and HDL-cholesterol levels (−9.8 mg/dL, p = 0.002) as well as serum triglyceride concentrations (−42.8 mg/dL, p = 0.029), no significant differences were found comparing probiotic and conventional yogurts in terms of their effect on serum lipid profiles. Within-Group differences in conventional yogurt group revealed a significant reduction in HDL-cholesterol levels (−8.4 mg/dL, p = 0.005) and borderline significant reduction in serum total cholesterol concentrations (−21.6 mg/dL, p = 0.08). Conclusion: In conclusion, consumption of probiotic yogurt among pregnant women could not affect serum lipid profiles as compared to the conventional yogurt.

Plasma Lipid Profile in Pregnant Women with HIV Receiving Nevirapine

Limited information is currently available on the metabolic profile of nevirapine in pregnancy. We used data from a national observational study to evaluate plasma lipid profile in pregnant women receiving nevirapine. Lipid values were collected during routine clinical visits. Midpregnancy (second trimester) lipid values were analyzed according to use of nevirapine, calculating differences and 95% confidence intervals (CI) between women taking and not taking this drug. In order to adjust for possible confounders, multivariable models were constructed using as dependent variables levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG) levels and TC/HDL-C ratio, and as independent variables age, body weight, previous treatment history, CD4 count, and presence of any antiretroviral therapy, use or nonuse of protease inhibitors, stavudine, and nevirapine at the time of blood sampling. Overall, 375 women had available data for analysis. Pregnant women on nevirapine, compared to women not taking this drug, had in univariate analyses higher levels of HDL-C (difference: +13.0mg/dL [95%CI 7.4-18.6], p < 0.001), lower values of TC/HDL-C ratio (difference: -0.51 [0.23-0.80], p < 0.001) and a trend for lower levels of triglycerides (difference: -17.6mg/dL [0.7-35.9], p = 0.06). Higher HDL-C levels were also associated with use of protease inhibitors and with no previous antiretroviral experience before pregnancy. The associations with higher HDL-C levels were confirmed in multivariable analyses. Our study indicates in pregnant women an association between nevirapine use and higher HDL-C levels. Further studies should assess whether this effect is due to an intrinsic activity of nevirapine and define the potential mechanisms involved.

Lipoproteins in pregnant women before and during delivery: influence on neonatal haemorheology.

To investigate whether the lipid profile of pregnant women during parturition differs from the profile at previous stages of pregnancy and to determine the effects of maternal lipid changes on fetal or neonatal haemorheology. Sixty pregnant women were studied, divided into two groups. Group 1 contained 30 women of mean age of 27 (SD 3) years and gestational age > 38 weeks in whom delivery had not yet begun; all these pregnancies followed an uncomplicated course and there was no evidence of any fetal pathology from previous obstetric examinations. All the women reached term and birth weight was 3340 (350) g. Group 2 contained women of mean age 26 (4) years, in whom delivery was ongoing, all of whose pregnancies reached term. The following variables were determined in all cases: total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), free fatty acids and phospholipids, and apoprotein A (apo-A) and apoprotein B (apo-B). Serum and plasma viscosity was measured with a capillary viscosimeter. The apo-B/apo-A and HDL/apo-A ratios increased during delivery, indicating that in pregnant women these atherogenic indices are raised during delivery compared with previous gestational stages. Significant correlation coefficients were obtained between maternal lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, total cholesterol/HDL, and LDL/HDL) and plasma viscosity in the neonate. Plasma atherogenic indices increase progressively until birth. These changes have implications for neonatal haemorheology because they cause an increase in plasma viscosity.