Maternal Lipid Levels Research Articles

Associations between maternal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure and lipid levels in maternal and cord blood: The Japan environment and Children's study

Despite numerous studies, the associations between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and various lipid levels in pregnant women remain ambiguous, especially concerning the association with cord blood lipids.This analysis included 20,960 pregnant women enrolled in the Japan Environment and Children's Study, recruited between 2011 and 2014. Non-fasting plasma samples collected before 22 weeks of gestation were examined for PFAS concentrations. Additionally, non-fasting serum samples collected before, at and after 22 weeks of gestation, at birth, and from cord blood were used to measure total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG). Linear regression models were applied to quantify the association between each PFAS and various lipid metrics.Among the 28 PFAS analyzed, 7 were quantifiable in more than 80% of participants. Of these, 6 PFAS showed positive associations with TC in maternal blood before 22 weeks of gestation, a trend that remained mostly consistent for maternal blood samples in later stages. However, no associations were found with TC levels in cord blood. Regarding TG, 3 PFAS demonstrated a negative association with TG levels in maternal blood before 22 weeks of gestation, with these relationships generally persisting in later stages, while 4 PFAS were positively associated with TG in cord blood.In summary, this study identified associations between PFAS concentrations in maternal blood and lipid levels in both maternal and cord blood, with differing patterns observed between the two.

Maternal Lipids in Pregnancy and Later Life Dyslipidemia: The POUCHmoms Longitudinal Cohort Study.

Maternal lipid levels increase in normal pregnancies. Here, we examine whether pregnancies with the highest total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or triglyceride levels or the lowest high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels predict future dyslipidemia post-pregnancy. Longitudinal cohort study. Five communities in Michigan, USA. Pregnant women (n = 649) with blood lipid levels measured at mid-pregnancy in the Pregnancy Outcomes and Community Health (POUCH) Study and at the POUCHmoms Study follow-up, 7-15 years later. Maternal mid-pregnancy lipid levels were defined as 'high' (upper quartile of triglycerides ≥ 216 mg/dL, LDL ≥ 145 mg/dL and total cholesterol ≥ 256 mg/dL) or 'low' (lower quartile, HDL < 58 mg/dL) using whole sample lipid distributions. At follow-up, dyslipidemia was classified by the clinical cutoffs of triglycerides and total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dL, LDL ≥ 130 mg/dL and HDL < 50 mg/dL. Weighted regression models estimated the risk of dyslipidemia at follow-up in relation to pregnancy lipid levels, adjusted for baseline confounders. Dyslipidemia later in life. Mid-pregnancy triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol levels at the upper quartile were associated with at least threefold increase in the risk of abnormal triglycerides, LDL and total cholesterol levels later in life. Women with low mid-pregnancy HDL levels had just over a twofold increased risk of abnormally low HDL levels at follow-up. These associations persisted following adjustment for covariates, i.e. demographics, lifestyle, and years of follow-up. Higher mid-pregnancy LDL, total cholesterol and triglycerides and lower levels of HDL may signal future dyslipidemia risk and the need for closer lipid monitoring to ensure timely interventions that can attenuate cardiovascular disease risk.

The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation in Pregnant Women with Overweight and Obesity: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

The impact of vitamin D supplementation on 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels, metabolic status, and pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with overweight and obesity (OW/OB) is uncertain. This study aimed to examine whether administrating 800 IU of vitamin D3 orally would improve maternal serum 25OHD levels, lipid profile, and pregnancy outcomes compared to 400 IU. This was a two-arm, parallel, non-blinded randomised controlled trial involving 274 pregnant women recruited from KK Women's and Children's Hospital, with a body mass index of ≥25 kg/m2 within 16 weeks gestation. The participants were randomly assigned to receive 800 IU/day (intervention group) or 400 IU/day (control group) of oral vitamin D3 supplements. The primary outcomes were maternal serum 25OHD and lipid levels at 24-28 weeks gestation. The secondary outcomes included maternal and birth outcomes. Compared with controls (n = 119), the intervention group (n = 112) exhibited higher 25OHD levels at 24-28 weeks gestation (adjusted mean difference 6.52 nmol/L; 95% confidence interval 2.74, 10.31). More women in the intervention group achieved sufficient 25OHD levels (77.7% vs. 55.5%; p < 0.001). No differences were observed in lipid profiles or maternal or birth outcomes between the groups. An additional 400 IU of oral vitamin D3 supplementation increased serum 25OHD levels but did not impact lipid profiles or pregnancy outcomes.

Association between maternal blood lipids during pregnancy and offspring growth trajectories in a predominantly macrosomic cohort: findings from the ROLO longitudinal birth cohort study.

The purpose of this study is to examine associations between maternal lipid profiles in pregnancy and offspring growth trajectories in a largely macrosomic cohort. This is a secondary analysis of the ROLO birth cohort (n = 293), which took place in the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. Infants were mostly macrosomic, with 55% having a birthweight > 4kg. Maternal mean age was 32.4years (SD 3.9years), mean BMI was 26.1kg/m2 (SD 4.4kg/m2) and 48% of children born were males. Total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol) and triglycerides were measured from fasting blood samples of mothers at 14 and 28week gestation. The change in maternal lipid levels from early to late pregnancy was also examined. Offspring abdominal circumference and weight were measured at 20- and 34-week gestation, birth, 6months, 2years and 5years postnatal. Linear spline multilevel models examined associations between maternal blood lipid profiles and offspring growth. We found some weak, significant associations between maternal blood lipids and trajectories of offspring growth. Significant findings were close to the null, providing limited evidence. For instance, 1mmol/L increase in maternal triglycerides was associated with faster infant weight growth from 20- to 34-week gestation (0.01kg/week, 95% CI - 0.02, - 0.001) and slower abdominal circumference from 2 to 5years (0.01cm/week, 95% CI - 0.02, - 0.001). These findings do not provide evidence of a clinically meaningful effect. Conclusion: These findings raise questions about the efficacy of interventions targeting maternal blood lipid profiles in pregnancies at risk of macrosomia. New studies on this topic are needed. What is Known: • Maternal fat accumulation during early pregnancy may potentially support fetal growth in the third trimester by providing a reserve of lipids that are broken down and transferred to the infant across the placental barrier. • There are limited studies exploring the impact of maternal lipid profiles on infant and child health using growth trajectories spanning prenatal to postnatal life. What is New: • Maternal blood lipid profiles were not associated with offspring growth trajectories of weight and abdominal circumference during pregnancy up to 5years of age in a largely macrosomic cohort, as significant findings were close to the null, providing limited evidence for a clinically meaningful relationship. • Strengths of this work include the use of infant growth trajectories that span prenatal to postnatal life and inclusion of analyses of the change of maternal lipid levels from early to late pregnancy and their associations with offspring growth trajectories from 20-week gestation to 5years of age.

Association between maternal cholesterol level during pregnancy and placental weight and birthweight ratio: data from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study

BackgroundPlacental weight to birthweight ratio (PW/BW ratio), or its inverse, is used as an indicator of placental efficiency. Past studies have shown an association between an abnormal PW/BW ratio and adverse intrauterine environment, however, no previous studies have examined the effect of abnormal lipid levels during pregnancy on PW/BW ratio. We aimed to evaluate the association between maternal cholesterol levels during pregnancy and placental weight to birthweight ratio (PW/BW ratio).MethodsThis study was a secondary analysis using the data from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS). 81 781 singletons and their mothers were included in the analysis. Maternal serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels during pregnancy were obtained from participants. Associations between maternal lipid levels and placental weight and PW/BW ratio were assessed by regression analysis using restricted cubic splines.ResultsDose–response relationships were observed between maternal lipid level during pregnancy and placental weight and PW/BW ratio. High TC and LDL-C levels were associated with heavy placental weight and high PW/BW ratio, i.e., inappropriately heavy placenta for birthweight. Low HDL-C level was also associated with inappropriately heavy placenta. Low TC and LDL-C levels were associated with low placental weight and low PW/BW ratio, i.e., inappropriately light placenta for birthweight. High HDL-C was not associated with PW/BW ratio. These findings were independent of pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain.ConclusionsAbnormal lipid levels such as elevated TC and LDL-C, and low HDL-C level, during pregnancy were associated with inappropriately heavy placental weight.

Association between serum lipid profile during the first and second trimester of pregnancy as well as their dynamic changes and gestational diabetes mellitus in twin pregnancies: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundAbnormal lipid metabolism is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in singleton pregnancies. Data were lacking on twin pregnancies with GDM. We explored the association between serum lipid profiles in the first and second trimesters as well as their dynamic changes and GDM in twin pregnancies.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of 2739 twin pregnancies that underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and were selected from the Beijing Birth Cohort Study from June 2013 to May 2021. Cholesterol (CHO), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were measured at mean 9 and 25 weeks of gestation. We described maternal lipid levels in different tertiles that were associated with the risk of GDM stratified for age, pre-BMI, and fertilization type. GDM patients were divided into two groups according to OGTT: elevated fasting plasma glucose only (FPG group) and the rest of the GDM (non-FPG group). We estimated the relative risk of GDM with multivariable logistic regression models.ResultsIn this study, we found that 599 (21.9%, 599/2739) twin pregnancies developed GDM. They had increased CHO, TG, LDL, and LDL/HDL, decreased HDL levels in the first trimester, and increased TG as well as decreased HDL in the second trimester in univariate analyses, each P < 0.05. In multivariate analysis, when TG > 1.67 mmol/l (upper tertile) in elderly individuals, nonoverweight and ART groups increased the risk of GDM by 2.7-fold, 2.3-fold and 2.2-fold, respectively, compared with TG < 0.96 mmol/l (lower tertile). This effect remained in the abovementioned groups in the second trimester. Moreover, high TGs increased the risk of GDM in the FPG group (OR = 2.076, 95% CI 1.130–3.815) and non-FPG group (OR = 2.526, 95% CI 1.739–3.67) in the first trimester when TG > 1.67 mmol/l, and the rising risk in the non-FPG group as the TG tertile increased remained in the second trimester. HDL predominantly showed a negative association with elevated FPG in the second trimester (p < 0.05).ConclusionsTwin pregnancies with GDM have higher lipid levels. Increased TGs in the first and second trimesters are strongly associated with GDM, especially in elderly individuals, nonoverweight and ART groups. Lipid profiles varied among different GDM subtypes.

Differential expression of lipid metabolic genes in hypercholesterolemic rabbit placenta predisposes the offspring to develop atherosclerosis in early adulthood

AimsMaternal hypercholesterolemia (MHC) is a pathological condition that may cause atherosclerosis in the adulthood of the offspring. The study aims to identify the role of in-utero programming by the placenta in atherogenesis and associated liver pathology in offspring. Main methodsFemale New Zealand white rabbits with normal lipid profiles were fed a 0.3 % HFD after mating. Lipid levels were monitored, and pregnant rabbits were sacrificed at the end of trimester 1, trimester 2, and trimester 3. Placental histology and expression of lipid metabolism genes were studied. Lipid levels, aortic lesions, and mRNA expression of cholesterol synthesis genes were investigated in fetuses at the end of gestation. A group of fetuses was allowed to attain early adulthood to investigate the liver lipid metabolism and atherogenesis with and without an HFD. Key findingsElevated maternal lipid levels and placental gene expression were differentially modulated in HFD-fed mothers. HFD-fed rabbits demonstrated differential expression of the placental genes involved in receptor-mediated endocytosis of cholesterol, lipogenesis, and lipolysis in all three trimesters. It resulted in significant lipid depositions in the placenta, hyperlipidemia, and a decrease in hepatic cholesterol synthesis in fetuses at the end of gestation. There was no atherogenesis in the aorta of offspring at trimester 3, but such offspring of HFD-fed mothers developed atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) with profound steatosis in their early adulthood with and without HFD. SignificanceDiet-induced MHC differentially expressed placental lipid genes that may program the offspring to develop atherosclerosis and associated NAFL in early adulthood.

Association between second- and third-trimester maternal lipid profiles and adverse perinatal outcomes among women with GDM and non-GDM: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundLipid metabolism disorder during pregnancy has been reported in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, controversy remains regarding the relationship between maternal changes in lipid profiles and perinatal outcomes. This study investigated the association between maternal lipid levels and adverse perinatal outcomes in women with GDM and non-GDM.MethodsIn total, 1632 pregnant women with GDM and 9067 women with non-GDM who delivered between 2011–2021 were enrolled in this study. Serum samples were assayed for fasting total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated via multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine the association of lipid levels with perinatal outcomes.ResultsThe serum TC, TG, LDL, and HDL levels in the third trimester were significantly higher than those in the second trimester (p < 0.001). Women with GDM had significantly higher levels of TC and TG in the second and third trimesters than those with non-GDM in the same trimesters, while HDL levels decreased in women with GDM (all p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors by multivariate logistic regression, every mmol/L elevation in TG levels of women with GDM in second and third trimesters was associated with a higher risk of caesarean section (AOR = 1.241, 95% CI: 1.103–1.396, p < 0.001; AOR = 1.716, 95% CI: 1.556–1.921, p < 0.001), large for gestational age infants (LGA) (AOR = 1.419, 95% CI: 1.173–2.453, p = 0.001; AOR = 2.011, 95% CI: 1.673–2.735, p < 0.001), macrosomia (AOR = 1.220, 95% CI: 1.133–1.643, p = 0.005; AOR = 1.891, 95% CI: 1.322–2.519, p < 0.001), and neonatal unit admission (NUD; AOR = 1.781, 95% CI: 1.267–2.143, p < 0.001; AOR = 2.052, 95% CI: 1.811–2.432, p < 0.001) cesarean delivery (AOR = 1.423, 95% CI: 1.215–1.679, p < 0.001; AOR = 1.834, 95% CI: 1.453–2.019, p < 0.001), LGA (AOR = 1.593, 95% CI: 1.235–2.518, p = 0.004; AOR = 2.326, 95% CI: 1.728–2.914, p < 0.001), macrosomia (AOR = 1.346, 95% CI: 1.209–1.735, p = 0.006; AOR = 2.032, 95% CI: 1.503–2.627, p < 0.001), and neonatal unit admission (NUD) (AOR = 1.936, 95% CI: 1.453–2.546, p < 0.001; AOR = 1.993, 95% CI: 1.724–2.517, p < 0.001), which were higher than the relative risk of these perinatal outcomes in women with non-GDM. Additionally, every mmol/L increase in second and third-trimester HDL levels of women with GDM was associated with decreased risk of LGA(AOR = 0.421, 95% CI: 0.353–0.712, p = 0.007; AOR = 0.525, 95% CI: 0.319–0.832, p = 0.017) and NUD (AOR = 0.532, 95% CI: 0.327–0.773, p = 0.011; AOR = 0.319, 95% CI: 0.193–0.508, p < 0.001), and the risk reduction was not strong than that of women with GDM.ConclusionsAmong women with GDM, high maternal TG in the second and third trimesters was independently associated with an increased risk of cesarean section, LGA, macrosomia, and NUD. High maternal HDL during the second and third trimesters was significantly associated with decreased risk of LGA and NUD. These associations were stronger than those in women with non-GDM, suggesting the importance of monitoring second and third-trimester lipid profiles in improving clinical outcomes, especially in GDM pregnancies.

Relation between socioeconomic status and maternal serum lipids to infant lipid concentrations and anthropometry in the first year of life.

The physical health and development of an individual are influenced by multiple parameters and shaped by internal and external factors during pregnancy. However, it is unclear whether there is an association between maternal lipid concentrations in the third trimester of pregnancy and infant serum lipids as well as anthropometric growth, and whether these factors are influenced by the socioeconomic status (SES) of the mothers. Between 2011 and 2021, 982 mother-child pairs were recruited in the LIFE-Child study. To investigate the influence of prenatal factors, pregnant women at the 24th and 36th week of gestation as well as children at the age of 3, 6 and 12months were examined and serum lipids determined. Socioeconomic status (SES) was assessed using the validated Winkler Index. A higher maternal BMI was associated with a significantly lower Winkler score and a higher infant weight, height, head circumference and BMI from birth up to the 4th-5th week of life. In addition, the Winkler Index correlates with maternal HDL cholesterol and ApoA1 levels. There was no relation between the delivery mode and the maternal BMI or SES. For the maternal HDL cholesterol concentration in the third trimester, an inverse relation to children's height, weight, head circumference and BMI up to the first year of life as well as the chest and abdominal circumference to an age of 3months was found. Children born to mothers with dyslipidemia in pregnancy tended to have a worse lipid profile than those born to normolipidemic mothers. Serum lipid concentrations and anthropometric parameters of children in the first year of life are affected by multiple factors like maternal BMI, lipid levels and SES.

Maternal prenatal cholesterol levels predict offspring weight trajectories during childhood in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study

BackgroundNumerous intrauterine factors may affect the offspring’s growth during childhood. We aimed to explore if maternal and paternal prenatal lipid, apolipoprotein (apo)B and apoA1 levels are associated with offspring weight, length, and body mass index from 6 weeks to eight years of age. This has previously been studied to a limited extent.MethodsThis parental negative control study is based on the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study and uses data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. We included 713 mothers and fathers with or without self-reported hypercholesterolemia and their offspring. Seven parental metabolites were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and offspring weight and length were measured at 12 time points. Data were analyzed by linear spline mixed models, and the results are presented as the interaction between parental metabolite levels and offspring spline (age).ResultsHigher maternal total cholesterol (TC) level was associated with a larger increase in offspring body weight up to 8 years of age (0.03 ≤ Pinteraction ≤ 0.04). Paternal TC level was not associated with change in offspring body weight (0.17 ≤ Pinteraction ≤ 0.25). Higher maternal high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apoA1 levels were associated with a lower increase in offspring body weight up to 8 years of age (0.001 ≤ Pinteraction ≤ 0.005). Higher paternal HDL-C and apoA1 levels were associated with a lower increase in offspring body weight up to 5 years of age but a larger increase in offspring body weight from 5 to 8 years of age (0.01 ≤ Pinteraction ≤ 0.03). Parental metabolites were not associated with change in offspring height or body mass index up to 8 years of age (0.07 ≤ Pinteraction ≤ 0.99).ConclusionsMaternal compared to paternal TC, HDL-C, and apoA1 levels were more strongly and consistently associated with offspring body weight during childhood, supporting a direct intrauterine effect.

Association of maternal lipid levels with birth weight and cord blood insulin: a Bayesian network analysis

ObjectiveTo assess the independent association of maternal lipid levels with birth weight and cord blood insulin (CBI) level.SettingThe Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study, Guangzhou, China.ParticipantsWomen who delivered between January 2015...

Associations Between Maternal Physical Activity, Maternal Lipid Levels, and Infant Anthropometric Outcomes at Two Weeks of Age.

This study determined the relationship between physical activity (PA), circulating lipids throughout pregnancy and infant anthropometric outcomes at birth and 2 weeks of age. Women (N = 234) with normal weight (NW, BMI 18.5-24.9kg/m2) and with overweight and class I obesity (OW/OB, BMI 25-35kg/m2) were categorized into high and low PA based on average cohort steps during pregnancy (8099 steps/day). Circulating fasting lipids were measured at each trimester. Standardized methods were used to obtain anthropometrics measures. Infant body composition was estimated by quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (EchoMRI-AH small; ECHO Medical Systems). Women with NW who had higher activity had lower circulating triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels at 12 weeks compared to women with NW and low activity (p < 0.05). Women with OW/OB and high activity level throughout pregnancy had lower circulating TG, and low density lipoprotein (LDL), at 12 weeks, lower LDL at 24 weeks, and lower TG at 36 weeks compared to the women with OW/OB who had low activity levels (p < 0.05). For children born to women with OW/OB, maternal circulating TG and LDL were most associated with infant anthropometrics at 2 weeks of age. This study supports that higher PA during pregnancy is associated with lower lipid levels throughout pregnancy with a greater effect size in women with OW/OB. Maternal lipids were associated with anthropometrics and infant body composition at two weeks of life in women with OW/OB.

Abstract 10922: Maternal Hypercholesterolemia Induces Changes in DNA Methylation Pattern of Lipid Metabolism Genes in the Human Placenta

Introduction: Maternal hypercholesterolemia (MHC) during gestation is reported to enhance formation of fatty streaks in human fetuses leading to atherosclerosis in their adulthood. As maternal lipid levels increase during gestation as a normal physiological response to growing fetus, cholesterol levels are not routinely monitored in the outpatient clinic. The mechanisms mediating the stimulus transferred from hypercholesterolemic mothers to the fetus resulting in atherogenesis remains to be delineated. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that high lipid levels of hypercholesterolemic mother program the fetus by causing changes in DNA methylation patterns of lipid transport and metabolism genes in the placenta. Methods: Pregnant females within 100 days of first pregnancy were recruited. Total cholesterol (TC) and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) levels above 200mg/dL and 130mg/dL respectively were considered as hypercholesterolemic (MHC; n=50). Pregnant mothers with normal cholesterol levels were also recruited (NC; n=50). Lipid profiling of maternal blood was performed in all trimesters. Cord blood at the time of birth and neonatal blood on the 2 nd day post birth were also profiled. DNA methylation array was performed in the placenta of MHC and NC mothers post delivery. Data were analyzed using RnBeads and Limma package. Data were validated by qRT PCR and immunohistochemistry of placental tissues. Results: Lipid profiling revealed high TC and LDL levels in MHC mothers and high triglycerides in their neonates on the 2 nd day post birth. There were 3789 differentially methylated gene sets reported in the placenta of hypercholesterolemic mothers of which, 167 genes were hypomethylated and 94 genes were hypermethylated in the CpG islands. The hypermethylation and downregulation of lysosomal lipase genes (LIPA) was observed in the placenta of MHC mothers. This was complemented by upregulated expression of PEX11A, a peroxisomal biogenesis factor and ABCD1 which is a fatty acid transporter. Conclusions: We report the hypermethylation of lysosomal lipid degradation genes and hypomethylation of peroxisomal genes in the placenta of MHC mothers. This results in high triglycerides in neonates with a risk for early atherogenesis in adulthood.

COMPARISON OF LIPID PARAMETERS IN MATERNAL SERUM AND NEWBORN CORD BLOOD

Background: One of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the modern period is coronary heart disease. The fetal origin concept has shown that the origins of this epidemic can be found as early as fetal life. A few research have compared the lipid profiles of cord blood from pre-term and term newborns, opening the door to early chronic disease prevention. Aim: The aim of the study was to compare lipid parameters in pre-term and term maternal serum and neonatal cord blood. Methods: In 300 newborns cord blood and 300 maternal serum samples, a cross-sectional research was performed. The placental side of the umbilical cord was used to collect cord blood samples, which were then examined for their lipid profiles, which included measurements of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), and apolipoproteins including ApoA and ApoB. Results: When lipid parameters from maternal serum and neonatal cord blood were compared, maternal serum had statistically significant higher values for the apolipoproteins, atherogenic index (AI), and lipid profile. Lipid parameters (TC, TG, LDL, very low density lipoprotein, Apolipoprotein B, and AI) were higher in mothers of pre-term babies and also in cord blood of pre-term neonates. Comparison of lipid parameters of pre-term and term mothers and neonatal cord blood was highly significant. Conclusion: There was a significant association of cord blood and maternal lipid parameters; hence, change in maternal lipid levels might influences the lipid levels in the cord blood of neonates.

The association between alteration of maternal lipid levels and birthweight at term: A within-family comparison.

ContextMaternal lipid levels affect birthweight and the long-term health of the offsprings. However, this association could be influenced by genetic and other common factors.ObjectiveThis work aimed to explore the relationship between maternal lipid levels and birthweight of two pregnancies in the same mother.MethodsIn this population-based cohort study, 705 women and their 1 410 offsprings were included. From an initial sample of women with more than one singleton birth in the database, we made the following exclusions: missing data for pre-pregnancy BMI, pregnancy weight gain, birthweight and lipid values; maternal age less than 19 or older than 44 years old; gestational age < 37 weeks or > 41weeks, gestational diabetes mellitus/diabetic. In the second and third trimesters, serum samples were collected for the determination of fasting total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Then we assessed the association between maternal lipids and birthweight.ResultsInfants of women whose 2nd-trimester TC increased by 10th-20th percentile (-0.92~-0.56 mmol/L) from 1st to 2nd pregnancy were 239.69 (62.32~417.06) g lighter at birth than were infants of women those of 40th-50th percentile (-0.20~-0.03 mmol/L). Parity, gestational age, neonatal gender, maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index, maternal weight gain, and 3rd-trimester TC and HDL-C were all associated with higher birth weight. Every unit increase in TC in the third trimester increases birthweight by 53.13 (14.32 ~91.94) g.ConclusionMaternal TC level is associated with birthweight independent of shared genes. TC may be used to guide diet and predict birthweight combined with ultrasound and other indicators.

Maternal lipid levels in early pregnancy as a predictor of childhood lipid levels: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundMaternal lipid levels in early pregnancy are associated with maternal health and foetal growth. It is however unclear if maternal lipids in early pregnancy can be used to predict childhood lipid levels. The aim of this study is to assess the association between maternal and offspring childhood lipid levels, and to investigate the influence of maternal BMI and diet on these associations.MethodsThis study included 2692 women participating in the Generation R study, an ongoing population-based prospective cohort study from early life onwards. Women with an expected delivery date between 2002 and 2006 living in Rotterdam, the Netherlands were included. Total cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) were measured in early pregnancy (median 13.2 weeks [90% range 10.6; 17.1]). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), remnant cholesterol and non-HDL-c were calculated. Corresponding lipid measurements were determined in 2692 children at the age of 6 (median 6.0 years [90% range 5.7; 7.5]) and 1673 children 10 years (median 9.7 years [90% range 9.5; 10.3]). Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between maternal lipid levels in early pregnancy and the corresponding childhood lipid measurements at the ages of 6 and 10 years while adjusting for confounders.ResultsMaternal lipid levels in early pregnancy are positively associated with corresponding childhood lipid levels 6 and 10 years after pregnancy, independent of maternal body mass index and diet.ConclusionsMaternal lipid levels in early pregnancy may provide an insight to the lipid profile of children years later. Gestational lipid levels may therefore be used as an early predictor of children’s long-term health. Monitoring of these gestational lipid levels may give a window-of-opportunity to start early interventions to decrease offspring’s lipid levels and possibly diminish their cardiovascular risk later in life. Future studies are warranted to investigate the genetic contribution on maternal lipid levels in pregnancy and lipid levels of their offspring years later.

Investigation and Application of Risk Factors of Macrosomia Based on 10,396 Chinese Pregnant Women.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the association of fetal macrosomia with maternal D-dimer and blood lipid levels, and explore whether D-dimer and blood lipids, either alone or in combination with traditional risk factors at hospital birth, could be used to predict subsequent delivery of macrosomia.MethodsFrom April 2016 to March 2017, 10,396 women with singleton pregnancy giving birth at around 28–41 weeks of gestation were recruited into the present study. D-dimer and blood lipid levels were measured at hospital admission; and data on birth outcomes were obtained from hospital records.ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analysis showed that D-dimer, triglyceride and HDL-C levels were significantly associated with risk of macrosomia independent of traditional risk factors (for D-dimer: adjusted OR: 1.33, 95% CI, 1.23–1.43; for triglyceride: adjusted OR: 1.14, 95% CI, 1.05–1.23; for HDL-C: adjusted OR: 0.35, 95% CI, 0.24–0.51, all P <0.01). More importantly, incorporating D-dimer and blood lipids into the traditional model significantly increased the area under curve (AUC) for prediction of macrosomia (0.783 vs. 0.811; P <0.01).ConclusionOur study demonstrates that maternal D-dimer, triglyceride, and HDL-C levels before hospital birth could be significant and independent of risk factors of fetal macrosomia. Therefore, combining D-dimer and blood lipid levels with traditional risk factors might improve the ability to predict macrosomia in gestational diabetes mellitus and normal pregnancies.

Maternal lipid profiles vs. fetal growth and cord blood hematopoietic cells: weak associations in healthy Korean newborn-mother pairs.

We aimed to define the maternal lipid profiles that are associated with fetal growth and cord blood (CB) hematopoietic cells in healthy Korean full-term newborns. A total of 608 fetal-maternal pairs were enrolled; mothers voluntarily donated CB with informed consent. We analyzed birth weight (BW) as a marker of fetal growth, and we examined total nucleated cells (TNCs) and CD34+ cell concentrations of CB as markers of hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) contents. We also analyzed maternal lipid levels and investigated their associations with BW, TNCs and CD34+ cells. Maternal triglycerides (TG) showed a significant positive association with BW and CD34+ cells, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) showed a negative association with BW and CD34+ cells. Though not statistically significant, higher maternal TG showed a tendency toward higher levels of TNCs. Maternal TG was independently and positively correlated with BW, and maternal LDL was independently and negatively correlated with CD34+ cells, although the impacts were not as strong, as indicated by small beta coefficients (0.157 and -0.226, respectively). We were able to investigate the association of maternal lipid profiles with BW and CB HPCs in healthy Korean newborn-mother pairs in this study. Both BW and the HPC contents showed independent associations with maternal TG and LDL, although the effect of maternal lipid levels on fetal growth and HPCs was not strong in the normal healthy population. Because maternal lipid levels were assessed once in the healthy fetal-maternal pairs, we could not investigate those associations across pregnancy.

A wide range of triglyceride levels is sufficient for fetal growth at gestational weeks 12-16, but higher triglyceride levels are associated with gestational hypertension.

To learn whether and how lipid levels are associated with gestational hypertension and fetal growth in normal pregnancy. In a case-control study course, 464 patients with gestational hypertension were pooled into a case group; a total of 1077 women with full-term pregnancies and no pregnancy complications were selected as controls. In a cross-sectional study, whether maternal lipid levels were associated with fetal growth were evaluated in 1077 healthy controls. Maternal lipids and glucose levels and fetal measurements. Maternal levels of triglyceride (TG) were significantly higher in the case group than in controls at gestational weeks 12-16. Levels of TG, total cholesterol (TC) and low-densitylipoprotein (LDL-C) in control mothers increased gradually and significantly with increasing gestational week, however, these lipid concentrations lost these steady elevating trends with gestational week increases in the cases. Binary logistic regression showed that TG is a risk factor associated with hypertension at gestational weeks 12-16 and independent to maternal blood levels of LDL-C and glucose. Of the healthy mothers at gestational weeks 12-16, quantile regression showed that TG levels were not associated with real-time fetal growth measurements or final birthweight. The reference standards for maternal TG levels were estimated via the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles by gestational week. Maternal TG levels are associated with gestational hypertension, and a wide range of TG levels is sufficient for fetal growth within a given gestational week.

Impact of maternal BMI and gestational weight gain on maternal serum lipid profiles at term

Maternal dyslipidemia is associated with adverse obstetric outcomes. The objective of this study is to determine whether gestation weight gain (GWG) is associated with differences in maternal serum lipid levels at term.