Maternal Fatty Acid Status Research Articles

Fatty acids and their metabolites (resolvins) are altered in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

The maternal fatty acid status plays a key role in influencing pregnancy outcomes. Omega-3 fatty acids are the precursors for E-series (RvE) and D-series resolvins (RvD) and possess anti-inflammatory properties. Pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are associated with excess maternal inflammation. This study reports the levels of maternal fatty acids across gestation in GDM and non-GDM women, placental fatty acids, resolvins and their association with the maternal fatty acid status. Pregnant women were recruited at 11-14 (V1) weeks and followed at 18-22 (V2) and 26-28 (V3) weeks and at delivery (V4). A total of 209 women who were diagnosed as GDM and 207 non-GDM women were included in this study. Fatty acids were estimated using gas chromatography. The protein levels of resolvins (RvE1, RvE2, RvD1 and RvD2) were measured using ELISA kits. Total PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), omega-6 fatty acids, linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA) were lower, while saturated fatty acid (SFA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) levels were higher in GDM women at 18-22 weeks. Placental AA was lower (p < 0.05) in women with GDM. Placental protein levels of RvE1, RvD1 and RvD2 were lower (p < 0.001 for all) in the GDM group. The maternal delta 5 desaturase index was positively associated, while erythrocyte omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids were negatively associated with RvE2 at 11-14 weeks. Placental LA and ALA were positively associated with RvD1 and RvD2 (p < 0.05, for both), respectively. Our findings suggest that the maternal fatty acid status influences pro-resolving mediators which may lead to increased inflammation in GDM.

Maternal fatty acid status during pregnancy versus offspring inflammatory markers: a canonical correlation analysis of the MEFAB cohort.

The development of inflammatory lung disorders in children may be related to maternal fatty acid intake during pregnancy. We therefore examined maternal fatty acid (FA) status during pregnancy and its associations with inflammatory markers and lung conditions in the child by analyzing data from the MEFAB cohort using multivariate canonical correlation analysis (CCA). In the MEFAB cohort, 39 different phospholipid FAs were measured in maternal plasma at 16, 22 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, and at day of birth. Child inflammatory markers and self-reported doctor diagnosis of inflammatory lung disorders were assessed at 7 years of age. Using CCA, we found that maternal FA levels during pregnancy were significantly associated with child inflammatory markers at 7 years of age and that Mead acid (20:3n-9) was the most important FA for this correlation. To further verify the importance of Mead acid, we examined the relation between maternal Mead acid levels at the day of birth with the development of inflammatory lung disorders in children at age 7. After stratification for the child's sex, maternal Mead acid levels at day of birth were significantly related with self-reported doctor diagnosis of asthma and lung infections in boys, and bronchitis and total number of lung disorders in girls. Future studies should investigate whether the importance of Mead acid in the relation between maternal FA status and inflammation and lung disorders in the child is due to its role as biomarker for essential fatty acid deficiency or due to its own biological function as pro-inflammatory mediator.

MicroRNAs targeting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gene are differentially expressed in low birth weight placentae

IntroductionPeroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are activated by natural ligands like fatty acids and influence placental angiogenesis and pregnancy outcome. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not clear. This study aims to investigate the association of maternal and placental fatty acid levels with DNA methylation and microRNA regulation of PPARs in the placentae of women delivering low birth weight (LBW) babies. MethodsThis study includes 100 women delivering normal birth weight (NBW) baby and 70 women delivering LBW baby. Maternal and placental fatty acids levels were estimated by gas chromatograph. Gene promoter methylation and mRNA expression of PPARs was analyzed using Epitect Methyl-II PCR assay kit and RT-PCR respectively. Expression of miRNAs targeting PPAR mRNA were analyzed using a Qiagen miRCURY LNA PCR Array on RT-PCR. ResultsPlacental docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels and placental mRNA expression of PPARα and PPARγ were lower (p < 0.05 for all) in the LBW group. Differential expression of miRNAs (upregulated miR-33a-5p and miR-22-5p; downregulated miR-301a-5p, miR-518d-5p, miR-27b-5p, miR-106a-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-548d-5p, miR-17-5p and miR-20a-5p) (p < 0.05 for all) was observed in the LBW group. Maternal and placental polyunsaturated fatty acids and total omega-3 fatty acids were positively associated while saturated fatty acids were negatively associated with expression of miRNAs (p < 0.05 for all). Placental expression of miRNAs were positively associated with birth weight (p < 0.05 for all). DiscussionOur data suggests that maternal fatty acid status is associated with changes in the placental expression of miRNAs targeting PPAR gene in women delivering LBW babies.

English

Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are beneficial throughout the human life cycle. With regard to early child development, maternal fatty acid status influence cognitive and psychomotor development of the unborn child. Regardless of their importance in early childhood development they still receive less attention when compared to other nutrients. This paper aimed to assess knowledge, practices and intention to consume omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids among pregnant and breastfeeding women in Morogoro Municipality and the study adopted the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). A cross-sectional survey which involved 318 randomly selected pregnant and breastfeeding women was conducted in three wards of Morogoro Municipality. Data were collected through face to face interview using a questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used for data analysis. Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) Scores were compared with demographic characteristics by Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the level of significance set at p&lt;0.05. The findings revealed limited knowledge on omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. However most of the participants showed positive attitude towards omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acid food sources and they intended to use them in the future if they are properly trained. Level of education had a significant influence on respondents&rsquo; knowledge (p = 0.003) and attitudes (p = 0.004). It was concluded that, any attempt to increase consumption of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids among pregnant and breastfeeding women in Tanzania have to pay attention on their knowledge, attitudes and beliefs. &nbsp; Key words: Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, knowledge, attitude, intention, pregnant women, breastfeeding women.

Associations of Maternal and Child Fatty Acid Status With Child Growth and Development Outcomes in Ghana

ObjectivesMaintaining adequate fatty acid intake during pregnancy and lactation is necessary to support fetal and infant growth. Low maternal intake may lead to decreased transfer of fatty acids to the fetus. Our objective was to examine associations of individual fatty acid status at three different time points with child growth and development outcomes at 18 months. MethodsA cohort of 1,320 women were enrolled in the International Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements Dyad Ghana trial (iLiNS-DYAD-G). Fatty acids were measured in maternal plasma at 36 weeks gestation (n = 130), maternal breast milk six months postpartum (n = 303), and child plasma at 18 months (n = 369) and quantified as weight percentage of total identified fatty acids of the sample (% weight). We examined correlations between time points (maternal, breastmilk, and child) for five indicators of fatty acid status: % weight of four individual fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid, ALA; linolenic acid, LA; docosahexaenoic acid, DHA; arachidonic acid, AA) and the n6: n3 ratio (ratio of LA & AA to ALA, DHA & EPA). We then examined whether each fatty acid indicator was associated with child growth (head circumference for age, length for age, weight for length z-scores) or developmental outcomes (motor, language, and social-emotional scores) at 18 months. Adjusted regressions included child sex, food insecurity scores, socioeconomic status, intervention group, and years of maternal education. ResultsMaternal plasma and breast milk were positively correlated for % weight AA, LA, and n6: n3 ratio. Maternal and child plasma were positively correlated for % weight DHA and n6: n3 ratio. Breast milk and child plasma fatty acids were positively correlated for % weight AA, ALA, DHA, and n6: n3 ratio. Associations of fatty acid status indicators with child growth and developmental outcomes were not significant after correcting for multiple comparisons. ConclusionsAlthough maternal fatty acid status was associated with breastmilk and child fatty acid status, maternal and child fatty acid status was not generally associated with child growth and development at 18 months of age in this sample of mother-child dyads in Ghana. Funding SourcesBill & Melinda Gates Foundation; National Institute of Child Health and Human Development & Fogarty International Center R01HD099811.

Alcohol Consumption and Smoking During Pregnancy Alters Maternal Plasma Fatty Acid Composition: Association with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (P11-028-19)

ObjectivesPolyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are vital for optimal fetal neuronal development. This study examined the relationship between maternal alcohol consumption and smoking with plasma fatty acids measured in the third trimester and their association with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). MethodsIn the parent study, moderate to heavy alcohol-using and low/unexposed comparison women were recruited during mid-pregnancy from two prenatal clinics in Ukraine. The participants’ live-born infants underwent physical and neurobehavioral exams prior to one-year of age. Infants were classified as having FASD if their mothers reported moderate to heavy alcohol consumption and the infant had at least one standardized score below 85 on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II (BISD-II) with or without physical features of FASD. From the overall cohort, a subset of mother-child pairs was selected representing three groups of cases and controls: Alcohol-Exposed with FASD (n = 30), Alcohol-Exposed Normally Developing (n = 33), or low/unexposed Controls (n = 46). Third trimester maternal plasma samples were analyzed for fatty acids and levels were compared across groups. ResultsPlasma compositions of omega-6 fatty acids were altered in mothers with FASD infants compared to other groups. More specifically, the % of stearic acid (C18:0), arachidonic acid (AA, C20:4n6) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPAn6, C22:5n6) were significantly higher in mothers with FASD infants than low/unexposed controls or alcohol-exposed mothers with typically developing infants. Alcohol-exposed women who smoked had lower n3-docosapentaenoic acid (DPAn3, C22:5n3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n3) and higher DPAn6 than women consuming alcohol alone or abstainers. ConclusionsAlterations in fatty acid profiles were observed in moderate to heavy alcohol-consuming mothers with infants classified with FASD compared to alcohol-exposed typically developing infants or controls. These results support the idea that maternal fatty acid status can play a role in the etiology of FASD. Funding SourcesThis research was funded by support from NIH Research Grant and conducted in conjunction with the Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders(CIFASD).

Maternal omega-3 fatty acids regulate offspring obesity through persistent modulation of gut microbiota

BackgroundThe early-life gut microbiota plays a critical role in host metabolism in later life. However, little is known about how the fatty acid profile of the maternal diet during gestation and lactation influences the development of the offspring gut microbiota and subsequent metabolic health outcomes.ResultsHere, using a unique transgenic model, we report that maternal endogenous n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) production during gestation or lactation significantly reduces weight gain and markers of metabolic disruption in male murine offspring fed a high-fat diet. However, maternal fatty acid status appeared to have no significant effect on weight gain in female offspring. The metabolic phenotypes in male offspring appeared to be mediated by comprehensive restructuring of gut microbiota composition. Reduced maternal n-3 PUFA exposure led to significantly depleted Epsilonproteobacteria, Bacteroides, and Akkermansia and higher relative abundance of Clostridia. Interestingly, offspring metabolism and microbiota composition were more profoundly influenced by the maternal fatty acid profile during lactation than in utero. Furthermore, the maternal fatty acid profile appeared to have a long-lasting effect on offspring microbiota composition and function that persisted into adulthood after life-long high-fat diet feeding.ConclusionsOur data provide novel evidence that weight gain and metabolic dysfunction in adulthood is mediated by maternal fatty acid status through long-lasting restructuring of the gut microbiota. These results have important implications for understanding the interaction between modern Western diets, metabolic health, and the intestinal microbiome.

Maternal n-6 and n-3 fatty acid status during pregnancy is related to infant heart rate and heart rate variability: An exploratory study

Early life heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) reflect autonomic system maturation. Intervention with n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) during pregnancy favorably affects fetal HR and HRV, complementing previous observations for n-3 LCPUFA intervention during infancy. The relationship between maternal fatty acid status during pregnancy and infant HR/HRV has not previously been assessed. The aim of this study was to explore associations between maternal n-6 and n-3 fatty acid status during pregnancy and infant HR and HRV at 2 weeks, 4 months, and 6 months of age using linear regression models. Maternal n-3 fatty acids were inversely related to infant HR and positively related to HRV. Conversely, maternal n-6 fatty acids were positively related to infant HR and inversely related to HRV. These data build on existing literature evidencing a role for n-3 fatty acids in accelerating autonomic development and link n-6 fatty acids to HR/HRV.

Maternal Fatty Acid Status During Pregnancy and Child Autistic Traits: The Generation R Study.

ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids are important for brain function and development. We examined whether maternal polyunsaturated fatty acid status during pregnancy affects risk of autistic traits in childhood. Within the Generation R cohort, we measured maternal plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations and the ω-3:ω-6 ratio in midpregnancy (Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 2001-2005). Child autistic traits at 6 years were assessed by using the Social Responsiveness Scale short form in 4,624 children. A lower maternal ω-3:ω-6 ratio during pregnancy was associated with more autistic traits in the offspring (β = -0.008, 95% confidence interval: -0.016, -0.001). In particular, a higher total ω-6 and linoleic acid status were associated with more autistic traits (all P's < 0.05). Associations were independent of child intelligence, suggesting that the fatty acid distribution specifically affects the development of autistic traits in addition to general neurodevelopment. Maternal plasma ω-3 status was not associated with child autistic traits and, consistently, neither was prenatal dietary fish intake. Our study shows that a lower prenatal ω-3:ω-6 ratio is associated with more child autistic traits, which is largely accounted for by higher ω-6 instead of lower ω-3 status. These results suggest a biological pathway between maternal fatty acid intake during pregnancy and autistic traits in the offspring.

Maternal fatty acid levels during pregnancy, childhood lung function and atopic diseases. The Generation R Study.

Maternal fatty acid status during pregnancy might influence foetal immunological development and subsequently the risk of childhood atopic diseases. To examine the associations of maternal fatty acid levels during pregnancy with airway resistance and inflammation, asthma and eczema, in school-age children. This study among 4976 subjects was embedded in a population-based prospective cohort study. We measured maternal plasma glycerophospholipid fatty acid levels by gas chromatography during the second trimester of pregnancy (mean gestational age: 20.7 (± 1.1) weeks). At the age of 6years, airway resistance and inflammation were measured by interrupter technique (Rint) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and current physician-diagnosed asthma and eczema were assessed by ISAAC-based questionnaires. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were adjusted for socio-demographic, lifestyle and anthropometric factors. We did not observe consistent associations of maternal total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), total n-6 PUFA, total n-3 PUFA levels and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio during pregnancy with child's Rint and FeNO. Higher maternal total PUFA and total n-6 PUFA levels were associated with a decreased risk of childhood asthma (odds ratios (95% confidence interval): 0.76 (0.60, 0.97) and 0.71 (0.52, 0.96) per standard deviation score (SDS) increase of total PUFA and total n-6 PUFA levels, respectively) and with an increased risk of childhood eczema (1.16 (1.05, 1.28) and 1.21 (1.07, 1.37)). The observed associations were partly explained by Linoleic acid (LA, C18:2n-6) levels. Maternal total n-3 PUFA levels and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio were not associated with current asthma and eczema. The observed associations were not explained by child's PUFA intake. Higher maternal total PUFA and total n-6 PUFA levels during pregnancy seem to influence the risk of atopic diseases in childhood. The underlying mechanisms need to be further explored.

Severe asthma, shrimp allergy and impact of maternal fatty acid status on their children

Clinical & Experimental AllergyVolume 46, Issue 3 p. 386-386 Editor-in-Chief Editorial - March 2016Free Access Severe asthma, shrimp allergy and impact of maternal fatty acid status on their children First published: 24 February 2016 https://doi.org/10.1111/cea.12716Citations: 1AboutSectionsPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Specific IgE to Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin is a marker of a specific severe asthma phenotype In a well-characterized cohort of older people with asthma, Song et al.1 found that high levels of specific IgE to Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin were associated with severe asthma. This was independent of other factors. These results represent further evidence linking Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin-specific IgE to a specific phenotype of severe asthma characterized by late onset, coexisting chronic rhinosinusitis, eosinophilia and elevated total IgE levels. The constellation of features is illustrated in their paper (reproduced in Fig. 1). This cohort contained many non-atopic individuals, defined on the basis of negative skin prick testing to common aeroallergens. Interestingly, many of these non-atopic subjects still had positive specific IgE to Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin; so perhaps, this particular enterotoxin might be able to generate Th2 inflammation, as a superantigen, bypassing the usual allergic pathways? Fan Chung, in his accompanying editorial, discusses this interesting hypothesis and potential therapeutic implications 2. Woo-Yung Song Multiple correspondence analyses plot for the interrelationships clinical features. Severe asthma is situated close to high Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin-specific IgE (SE-IgE), chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and sputum eosinophilia. Reproduced from 1. Peptide-based immunotherapy successfully suppresses allergic responses in a mouse model of shrimp allergy Peptide-based immunotherapy, utilizing T-cell epitopes, has the theoretical potential to deliver desensitization without causing allergic adverse effects as this approach does not cross link specific IgE. In this issue, Wai et al. 3 describe how they identified the immunodominant T-cell epitopes of shrimp tropomyosin and evaluated their therapeutic impact in a mouse model of shrimp allergy. In their experimental model, they were able to reduce allergic symptoms (Fig. 2), plus antibody and cytokine responses. Can this strategy be translated into human shrimp and other shellfish allergy? Christine Yee Yan Wai Amelioration of systemic allergic symptoms following oral peptide-based immunotherapy. Reproduced from 3. Heterogeneous association of maternal fatty acid status with childhood atopic disease Rucci et al. 4 examined the relationship between maternal fatty acid status during pregnancy and the risk of childhood atopic diseases, while taking into account childhood fatty acid status in the large Generation R birth cohort (Fig. 3). They found heterogeneous associations, for example total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and total n-6 PUFA were associated with a reduced risk of asthma but a higher risk of eczema. Associations were independent of child's status. What is the mechanism? Emanuela Rucci Association of maternal plasma PUFA levels with current asthma in children aged 6 years. Reproduced from 4. References 1Song W-J, Sintobin I, Sohn K-H et al. Staphylococcal enterotoxin IgE sensitization in late-onset severe eosinophilic asthma in the elderly. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 46: 411– 21. 2Chung KF. Staphylococcal enterotoxin specific IgE: a biomarker for a distinct phenotype of severe asthma? Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 46: 387– 9. 3Wai CYY, Leung NYH, Leung PSC, Chu KH. T cell epitope immunotherapy ameliorates allergic responses in a murine model of shrimp allergy. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 46: 491– 503. 4Rucci E, den Dekker HT, de Jongste JC. Maternal fatty acid levels during pregnancy, childhood lung function and atopic diseases. The Generation R Study. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 46: 461– 71. Caption to cover illustration: Confocal microscopy analysis of bradykinin B2 receptor (B2R) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in the bronchial lamina propria of an individual with asthma after diluent or allergen challenge and from one control individual. [see figure 2b in F. L. M. Ricciardolo et al. (pp. 428–438)]. This logo highlights the Editor-in-Chief Editorial articles on the cover and the first page of each of the articles. Citing Literature Volume46, Issue3March 2016Pages 386-386 ReferencesRelatedInformation

Reduced Maternal Erythrocyte Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Exist in Early Pregnancy in Preeclampsia.

The present prospective study examines proportions of maternal erythrocyte fatty acids across gestation and their association with cord erythrocyte fatty acids in normotensive control (NC) and preeclamptic pregnancies. We hypothesize that maternal fatty acid status in early pregnancy influences fetal fatty acid stores in preeclampsia. 137 NC women and 58 women with preeclampsia were included in this study. Maternal blood was collected at 3 time points during pregnancy (16-20th weeks, 26-30th weeks and at delivery). Cord blood was collected at delivery. Fatty acids were analyzed using gas chromatography. The proportions of maternal erythrocyte α-linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, nervonic acid, and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (p < 0.05 for all) were lower while total n-6 fatty acids were higher (p < 0.05) at 16-20th weeks of gestation in preeclampsia as compared with NC. Cord 18:3n-3, 22:6n-3, 24:1n-9, MUFA, and total n-3 fatty acids (p < 0.05 for all) were also lower in preeclampsia as compared with NC. A positive association was observed between maternal erythrocyte 22:6n-3 and 24:1n-9 at 16-20th weeks with the same fatty acids in cord erythrocytes (p < 0.05 for both) in preeclampsia. Our study for the first time indicates alteration in maternal erythrocyte fatty acids at 16th weeks of gestation which is further reflected in cord erythrocytes at delivery in preeclampsia.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes at 5 years in children exposed prenatally to maternal dental amalgam: The Seychelles Child Development Nutrition Study

Limited human data are available to assess the association between prenatal mercury vapor (Hg0) exposure from maternal dental amalgam restorations and neurodevelopment of children. We evaluated the association between maternal dental amalgam status during gestation and children's neurodevelopmental outcomes at 5years in the Seychelles Child Development Nutrition Study (SCDNS). Maternal amalgam status was determined prospectively in a longitudinal cohort study examining the associations of prenatal exposure to nutrients and methylmercury (MeHg) with neurodevelopment. A total of 236 mother–child pairs initially enrolled in the SCDNS in 2001 were eligible to participate. Maternal amalgam status was measured as number of amalgam surfaces (the primary metric) and number of occlusal points. The neurodevelopmental assessment battery was comprised of age-appropriate tests of cognitive, language, and perceptual functions, and scholastic achievement. Linear regression analysis controlled for MeHg exposure, maternal fatty acid status, and other covariates relevant to child development. Maternal amalgam status evaluation yielded an average of 7.0 surfaces (range 0–28) and 11.0 occlusal points (range 0–40) during pregnancy. Neither the number of maternal amalgam surfaces nor occlusal points were associated with any outcome. Our findings do not provide evidence to support a relationship between prenatal exposure to Hg0 from maternal dental amalgam and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children at 5years of age.

The Editor takes a closer look at some of this month's articles

The Editor takes a closer look at some of this month's articles

Does maternal long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid status in pregnancy influence the bone health of children? The Southampton Women's Survey.

In this large, population-based, prospective, mother-offspring cohort study, maternal long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) status during pregnancy was found to be positively associated with bone mass in the offspring at age 4years. The findings suggest that variation in intrauterine exposure to n-3 and n-6 LCPUFAs may have potential consequences for skeletal development. Maternal diet in pregnancy has been linked to childhood bone mass, but the mechanisms and nutrients involved are uncertain. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) have been shown to affect bone metabolism, but the relationship between maternal fatty acid status and bone mass in the offspring remains unknown. We evaluated the association between maternal LCPUFA status in late pregnancy (34weeks gestation) and bone density in their children at age 4years within 727 mother-child pairs taking part in the Southampton Women's Survey. Concentrations of the n-3 LCPUFA component of maternal plasma phosphatidylcholine were positively associated with a number of bone mineral measures at the age of 4years; these associations persisted after adjustment for maternal body build, walking speed and infant feeding. Relationships were most evident for eicosapentaenoic acid (r = 0.09, p = 0.02 for whole body areal bone mineral density [aBMD] and r = 0.1, p = 0.008 for lumbar spine aBMD) and for docosapentaenoic acid (r = 0.09, p = 0.02 for whole body aBMD and r = 0.12, p = 0.002 for lumbar spine aBMD). These findings suggest that variation in early exposure to n-3 and n-6 LCPUFA may have potential consequences for bone development and that the effects appear to persist into early childhood.

Maternal fatty acid status during pregnancy and lactation and relation to newborn and infant status.

The present review of determinants of infant fatty acid status was undertaken as part of a conference on 'Fatty acid status in early life in low-income countries: determinants and consequences'. Emphasis is placed on the essential fatty acids, and particularly the physiologically important long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) of 20 and 22 carbons. We are unaware of any studies of determinants of infant fatty acid status in populations with a cultural dietary pattern with low amounts of linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) and α-linolenic acid (ALA,18:3n-3). Many reports suggest that there may be adverse health effects related to the increased proportion of LA in relation to ALA, which have occurred worldwide due to the increased availability of vegetable oils high in LA. The issue of dietary n-6 to n-3 balance may apply to infant fatty acid status both during fetal and post-natal life; however, this review focuses on the n-3 and n-6 LCPUFA, in particular, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6), which are the predominant n-3 and n-6 LCPUFA found in cell membranes. The evidence that these fatty acids are preferentially transferred from maternal to fetal circulation across the placenta, and the sources and mechanisms for this transfer, are reviewed. We also address the sources of DHA and AA for the newborn including human milk DHA and AA and the factors that influence maternal DHA status and consequently the amount of DHA available for transfer to the fetus and infant via human milk.

Maternal fatty acid status in pregnancy and childhood atopic manifestations: KOALA Birth Cohort Study

Prevalence of atopic disorders has increased rapidly, but aetiological factors responsible for this increase are still largely unknown. Prenatal exposure to a pro-inflammatory fatty acid status is hypothesized although little research has been carried out. To investigate whether prenatal fatty acid exposures are associated with atopy in childhood. In the KOALA Birth Cohort Study, maternal blood samples (n=1275) at 34-36 weeks of pregnancy were assayed for n-6 and n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs). The full spectrum of offspring atopic manifestations (wheeze, asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, allergic sensitization, and high total IgE) until the age of 6-7 years was assessed by repeated parental questionnaires and measurements of total and specific IgE. Associations of maternal fatty acid status with child atopic outcomes were analysed using multivariable logistic regression and generalized estimating equations for repeated measurements. High ratio of maternal n-6 vs. n-3 LCPs was associated with a lower risk of eczema in the child (P for trend 0.012). More specifically, we found a decreased risk of eczema in the first 7 months of life with increasing arachidonic acid levels (P for trend 0.013). No associations were found between maternal fatty acids and offspring airway-related atopic manifestations, sensitization, or high total IgE. The development of atopic disorders in early childhood is associated with prenatal exposure to n-6 vs. n-3 fatty acids, but with inconsistencies between different manifestations. Further exploration of associations with maternal diet and genetic variants in genes regulating fatty acid metabolism are required. This study shows that the influence of prenatal exposure to fatty acids on the risk of eczema in the child is limited to the first year of life.

Linoleic acid is associated with lower long-chain n–6 and n–3 fatty acids in red blood cell lipids of Canadian pregnant women

Arachidonic (ARA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA), and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids are important in membrane glycerophospholipids. Higher maternal blood ARA, EPA, and DHA concentrations in gestation are associated with higher maternal-to-fetal transfer of ARA, EPA, and DHA, respectively, which emphasizes the importance of maternal fatty acid status in gestation. As in the brain, red blood cell (RBC) ethanolamine phosphoglycerides (EPGs) are high in plasmalogen, ARA, and DHA. We determined the relation between dietary n-6 (omega-6) and n-3 (omega-3) fatty acid intakes and n-6 and n-3 fatty acids in RBC EPGs and phosphatidylcholine in near-term pregnant women. The subjects were 105 healthy Canadian pregnant (36 wk gestation) women. Fatty acid intakes were estimated by food-frequency questionnaire, and fasting venous blood samples were collected. DHA and EPA intakes were positively associated with RBC EPG and phosphatidylcholine concentrations of DHA (rho = 0.309 and 0.369, respectively; P < 0.001) and EPA (rho = 0.391 and 0.228, respectively; P < 0.001) and inversely associated with RBC EPG 22:4n-6 and 22:5n-6 (P < 0.001). In RBCs, concentrations of linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) were inversely associated with DHA, EPA, and ARA, respectively, in EPGs (r = -0.432, P < 0.01; r = -0.201, P < 0.04; and r = -0.303, P < 0.01) and phosphatidylcholine (r = -0.460, -0.490, and -0.604; P < 0.01 for all). Membrane fatty acids are influenced by the amount and balance of fatty acid substrates. Our results suggest the competitive interaction of LA with ARA, EPA, and DHA, with no evidence that higher LA increases ARA. Biochemical indicators to suggest that DHA is limiting are present in our population. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00620672.

P0115 PP INVERSE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN TRANS ISOMERIC AND LONG-CHAIN POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS IN ERYTHROCYTE MEMBRANE LIPIDS IN EXPECTING WOMEN

Introduction: Inverse associations were reported between values of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) and values of trans fatty acids both in cord blood plasma lipids and in umbilical blood vessel wall lipids (Decsi et al., Am J Clin Nutr 74: 364–368, 2001 and Lipids 37: 959–965, 2002). It was speculated that the inverse association seen at birth should have its origin in the maternal fatty acid status, but the question has not been explicitly addressed as yet. Methods: Fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membrane phospatidylcholine lipids was determined by high- resolution capillary gas-liquid chromatography at the 20th week of gestation in expecting women living in Germany (n = 23), Hungary (n = 34) and Spain (n = 44). Results: The sum of trans isomeric fatty acids was significantly (P <0.01) higher in Spanish (0.71 [0.32], % wt/wt, median [IQR]) than in German (0.49 [0.24]) and Hungarian (0.56 [0.34]) mothers. No correlation was found between trans isomers and LC-PUFA in erythrocyte membrane lipids in German and Hungarian mothers. In Spanish mothers, there was no correlation between trans fatty acids versus linoleic acid (15.96 [3.90]) and alphalinolenic acid (0.08 [0.11]) (table). In contrast, trans hexadecenoic acid (C16:1t, 0.20 [0.15]), trans octadecenoic acid (C18:1t, 0.36 [0.18]) and the sum of trans isomeric fatty acids were significantly inversely correlated to both arachidonic acid (7.92 [4.37]) and docosahexaenoic acid (2.50 [1.76]) (table).Table 1: Correlation coefficients between fatty acids in PC lipids in expecting womenConclusion: 1. In this study, significant inverse associations were found between LC-PUFA and trans fatty acids in erythrocyte membrane lipids in expecting women. 2. This observation supports the concept that maternal trans fatty acid intake may be inversely associated to the LC-PUFA status of the foetus. 3. Among three groups of women investigated, the inverse association between trans fatty acids and LC-PUFA was seen only in the group with the highest erythrocyte membrane trans fatty acid values.