Maternal Lipid Profile Research Articles

Genetic Risk Scores for Maternal Lipid Levels and Their Association with Preterm Birth.

Maternal lipid profiles are associated with risk for preterm birth (PTB), although the lipid component and effect size are inconsistent between studies. It is also unclear whether these associations are the result of excessive changes in lipid metabolism during pregnancy or genetic variability in genes controlling basal lipid metabolism. This study investigates the association between genetic risk scores (GRS) for four lipid components (high-density lipoprotein [HDL-C], low-density lipoprotein [LDL-C], triacylglycerols [TAG], and total cholesterol [TC]) with risk for PTB. Subjects included 954 pregnant women from California for whom second trimester serum samples were available, of which 479 gave birth preterm and 475 gave birth at term. We genotyped 96 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, which were selected from genome-wide association studies of lipid levels in adult populations. Lipid-specific GRS were constructed for HDL-C, LDL-C, TAG, and TC. The associations between GRS and PTB were analyzed using logistic regression. A higher HDL-C GRS was associated with increased risk for PTB overall and spontaneous PTB. Higher TAG and TC GRS were associated with decreased risk for PTB overall and spontaneous PTB. This study identifies counter-intuitive associations between lipid GRS and spontaneous PTB. Further replication studies are needed to confirm these findings, but they suggest that our current scientific understanding of the relationship between lipid metabolism, PTB, and genetics is incomplete.

Association of maternal lipid profile with the presence of placental infarcts and intima-media thickness of fetal abdominal aortic

Association of maternal lipid profile with the presence of placental infarcts and intima-media thickness of fetal abdominal aortic

Maternal Hyperlipidemia Mediates Elevated Blood Pressure in Offspring Associated with Reprogramming Leptin Levels

Background: Abnormal gestation energy metabolism is linked to major adult diseases in offspring. The aim of this study is to investigate whether leptin, as a mediator of energy metabolism, is involved in reprogramming the blood pressure control in offspring of mother with gestational hyperlipidemia. Methods: Third trimester serum lipid profiles were analyzed in 2687 Han Chinese women. Leptin levels were examined in newborns and preschool aged offspring. 4863 Han Chinese people, including 1784 children and 3079 adults, were recruited for the evaluation of association between birth weight and blood pressure. A high-fat-diet (HFD) pregnant rat model was also established. Results: Children born to gestational hypertriglyceridemia presented significantly higher rates of neonatal macrosomia and elevated serum leptin levels after birth. Leptin levels in both newborns and preschool age children were positively correlated with maternal triglyceride levels. Adults who were macrosomic at birth had increased blood pressures and higher incidence rates of hypertension though their BMIs had returned to normal. In rat, higher maternal lipid levels linked to sustained elevated leptin levels in offspring and were associated with increased blood pressure even with normal body weight. High maternal lipid profile induced leptin promoter hypomethylation and up-regulation of TET1, both in rat adipose tissues and lymphocytes as well as in human lymphocytes. Treatment of mesenchymal stem cells with free fatty acid during adipogenic differentiation also resulted in increased leptin and TET1 expression as well as leptin promoter hypomethylation. Interpretation: Maternal hyperlipidemia during pregnancy mediates elevated blood pressure in offspring via reprogramming leptin levels. Trial Registration: The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChicCTR-OCH-14004536). Funding Statement: This study was funded by The National Key Research and Development Program of China (2017YFC1001303 to H.F.H), National Natural Science Foundation of China (81801541 to D.D.W and 81601238 to L.G), International Cooperation Project of China and Canada NSFC (81661128010 to H.F.H), and the Chinese National Key Research and Development Award (2018YFC1004600 to L.J.M). Declaration of Interests: The authors state that they have no conflict of interest to disclose. Ethics Approval Statement: The study was a hospital-based cross-section study approved by the Research and Ethics Committee of the University Hospital of China, and informed consent from each participant was obtained. Animal care and management were in accordance with the institutional guidelines for laboratory animals established by the Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC), and were approved by the ACUC, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.

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.

Maternal lipid profiles in women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus.

To determine the longitude lipid profiles in women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and to investigate the relationship between lipid disturbances in the 1st trimester and GDM.Blood samples were collected from 1283 normal pregnant women and 300 women with GDM. Serum lipids which include total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured and the TG/HDL-C ratio was calculated in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy and then we got the longitudinal lipid profiles. We compared the differences of lipid profiles between patients with GDM and normal pregnant women using 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance. Also additional propensity-based subgroup analyses were performed. The logistic regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between the lipid disturbances in the 1st trimester and GDM.TG, TC, LDL-C concentrations, and TG/HDL-C ratio increased progressively throughout pregnancy; while HDL-C amounts increased from the 1st to the 2nd trimester with a slight decrease in the 3rd trimester. The GDM group showed higher TG concentrations, higher TG/HDL-C ratio, and lower HDL-C concentrations throughout pregnancy. There were no significant differences in TC and LDL-C concentrations in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters (P > .05), between the GDM group and the control group. Logistic regression analysis showed that maternal age, prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), and TG/HDL ratio in the 1st trimester were associated with an increased risk of GDM.The lipid profile alters significantly in patients with GDM, and maternal age, prepregnancy BMI, and TG/HDL ratio in the 1st trimester were associated with an increased risk of GDM.

Is maternal lipid profile in early pregnancy associated with pregnancy complications and blood pressure in pregnancy and long term postpartum?

An atherogenic lipid profile is a risk factor for the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. This ultimately leads to cardiovascular disease. Women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are at increased risk of sustained hypertension and cardiovascular disease later in life. Currently it is unclear whether dyslipidemia during pregnancy contributes to these risks. The objective of the study was to determine the associations between early pregnancy maternal lipid profile, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and blood pressure during and years after pregnancy. We included 5690 women from the Generation R Study, an ongoing population-based prospective birth cohort. Two hundred eighteen women (3.8%) developed gestational hypertension and 139 (2.4%) preeclampsia. A maternal lipid profile consisting of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, remnant cholesterol, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was determined in early pregnancy (median, 13.4 weeks of gestation). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured in early, mid-, and late pregnancy and 6 and 9 years after pregnancy. Triglycerides and remnant cholesterol in early pregnancy were positively associated with preeclampsia. Maternal lipid levels in early pregnancy were not associated with gestational hypertension. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and especially triglycerides and remnant cholesterol were positively associated with blood pressure in pregnancy and 6 and 9 years after pregnancy. Triglycerides and remnant cholesterol are positively associated with sustained hypertension 6 and 9 years after pregnancy. An atherogenic lipid profile in early pregnancy reflecting impaired triglyceride-rich lipoprotein metabolism is independently associated with preeclampsia and blood pressure throughout pregnancy but also with sustained hypertension long term postpartum. Lipid levels in early pregnancy may help to identify women at risk for future hypertension and perhaps also women at risk for future cardiovascular disease.

Second-trimester maternal lipid profiles predict pregnancy complications in an age-dependent manner.

Our objective was to investigate the combinatorial effect of maternal age and second-trimester maternal lipid profiles for pregnancy complications. With 1:4 matching, this retrospective study selected 499 advanced maternal age women and 1996 younger controls. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the correlation between second-trimester lipid profiles [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)] and pregnancy complications [gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome (PIH), preterm labor (PTL), and macrosomia]. Optimal cutoff points were determined by ROC curve analysis. In women aged 20-34years, TG are a risk factor for PIH (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.16-2.04) and PTL (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.04-1.72). LDL-C was positively associated with macrosomia (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.04-1.50), while HDL-C was negatively associated with PIH (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21-0.93). The optimal cutoff points for TG predicting PIH and PTL were separately ≥2.135 and 2.305mmol/L. The optimal cutoff point for HDL-C identifying PIH was ≤1.995mmol/L and for LDL-C identifying macrosomia was ≥3.425mmol/L. As for advanced maternal age, only TG was an independent risk factor for PIH (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.01-2.54), and its optimal cutoff point was ≥2.375mmol/L. Second-trimester lipid profiles might predict pregnancy complications varied by maternal age. This suggested that individualized prenatal care strategies should be established for women with advanced and normal maternal age to prevent pregnancy complications.

Amniotic Fluid and Maternal Lipid Profiles and Pregnancy Outcomes: Is There any Relationship?

Amniotic Fluid and Maternal Lipid Profiles and Pregnancy Outcomes: Is There any Relationship?

Maternal lipid profile during early pregnancy as a predictor of pregnancy induced hypertension

Maternal lipid profile during early pregnancy as a predictor of pregnancy induced hypertension

Pattern of Lipid Profile in Pregnancy and its Impact on the Gestational Course

Background: Major changes in lipid profile occur during normal pregnancy with significant correlation could be detected with gestational complications. Objective: We aimed to screen lipid profile in a sample of Egyptian pregnant and assess the correlation between second trimester maternal lipid profile and gestational outcome. Methods: This cohort study included 94 women with maternal lipid profile assessed during the second trimester (16-18 weeks). Serial antenatal visits were conducted to record the development of maternal gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus and low birth weight. Results and discussion: Lipid profile components in pregnant is higher than normal references. Meanwhile, gestational hypertension (GH) was the most common complication in the study affecting 13 patients (13.8%) followed by preeclampsia (PE) in 8 patients (8.5%), gestational DM (GDM) in 7 patients (7.4%) and lastly low birth weight in 4 neonates (4.3%). Positive association between second trimester lipid profile components and GH, PE and GDM was found. Conclusion: Measurement of lipid profile during the second trimester is highly recommended and could be a useful predictor of hypertensive disorders and GDM among Egyptian women.

Maternal dyslipidemia and risk for preterm birth.

Maternal lipid profiles during pregnancy are associated with risk for preterm birth. This study investigates the association between maternal dyslipidemia and subsequent preterm birth among pregnant women in the state of California. Births were identified from California birth certificate and hospital discharge records from 2007–2012 (N = 2,865,987). Preterm birth was defined as <37 weeks completed gestation and dyslipidemia was defined by diagnostic codes. Subtypes of preterm birth were classified as preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), spontaneous labor, and medically indicated, according to birth certificate data and diagnostic codes. The association between dyslipidemia and preterm birth was tested with logistic regression. Models were adjusted for maternal age at delivery, race/ethnicity, hypertension, pre-pregnancy body mass index, insurance type, and education. Maternal dyslipidemia was significantly associated with increased odds of preterm birth (adjusted OR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.39, 1.59). This finding was consistent across all subtypes of preterm birth, including PPROM (adjusted OR: 1.54, 95%CI: 1.34, 1.76), spontaneous (adjusted OR: 1.51, 95%CI: 1.39, 1.65), and medically indicated (adjusted OR: 1.454, 95%CI: 1.282, 1.649). This study suggests that maternal dyslipidemia is associated with increased risk for all types of preterm birth.

Structured diet and exercise guidance in pregnancy to improve health in women and their offspring: study protocol for the Be Healthy in Pregnancy (BHIP) randomized controlled trial

BackgroundEvidence from epidemiological and animal studies support the concept of programming fetal, neonatal, and adult health in response to in utero exposures such as maternal obesity and lifestyle variables. Excess gestational weight gain (GWG), maternal physical activity, and sub-optimal and excess nutrition during pregnancy may program the offspring’s risk of obesity. Maternal intake of dairy foods rich in high-quality proteins, calcium, and vitamin D may influence later bone health status. Current clinical practice guidelines for managing GWG are not founded on randomized trials and lack specific “active intervention ingredients.” The Be Healthy in Pregnancy (BHIP) study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to test the effectiveness of a novel structured and monitored Nutrition + Exercise intervention in pregnant women of all pre-pregnancy weight categories (except extreme obesity), delivered through prenatal care in community settings (rather than in hospital settings), on the likelihood of women achieving recommended GWG and a benefit to bone status of offspring and mother at birth and six months postpartum.MethodsThe BHIP study is a two-site RCT that will recruit up to 242 participants aged > 18 years at 12–17 weeks of gestation. After baseline measures, participants are randomized to either a structured and monitored Nutrition + Exercise (intervention) or usual care (control) program for the duration of their pregnancy. The primary outcome of the study is the percent of women who achieve GWG within the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines. The secondary outcomes include: (1) maternal bone status via blood bone biomarkers during pregnancy; (2) infant bone status in cord blood; (3) mother and infant bone status measured by dual-energy absorptiometry scanning (DXA scan) at six months postpartum; (4) other measures including maternal blood pressure, blood glucose and lipid profiles, % body fat, and postpartum weight retention; and (5) infant weight z-scores and fat mass at six months of age.DiscussionIf effective, this RCT will generate high-quality evidence to refine the nutrition guidelines during pregnancy to improve the likelihood of women achieving recommended GWG. It will also demonstrate the importance of early nutrition on bone health in the offspring.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01689961 Registered on 21 September 2012.

Influence of aerobic exercise on maternal lipid levels and offspring morphometrics

Maternal BMI, lipid levels (cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL), and exercise amount are interrelated and each influence offspring body size. This study proposed to determine the influence of exercise on maternal lipid levels and infant body size. We had 36 participants complete these measures. Participants in the aerobic exercise intervention (n = 14) completed three 50-min sessions weekly from 16 weeks gestation to delivery and were compared with a non-exercise control group (n = 22). Maternal lipid profiles were assessed at 16 and at 36 weeks gestation. Fetal body size was measured at 36 weeks gestational age using ultrasound assessment. Neonatal body size measures were acquired from birth records. Statistical analysis included two-sample t-tests, correlations, and regression models. Participants were similar in age, pre-pregnancy BMI, gravida, parity, education, and gestational weight gain (GWG). There were no differences in gestational age, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min for infants of exercisers relative to controls. Exercisers had higher pre-training triglycerides (p = 0.004) and pregnancy change in triglycerides (p = 0.049) compared to controls. Head circumference was significantly larger in exercise exposed infants relative to infants of controls. Pregnancy METs had a positive relationship with birth length (r = .445, p = .006) and birth weight (r = .391, p = .02). GWG had a moderate, positive relationship with fetal abdominal circumference (r = .570, p = .004). Regression analysis indicated 5 predictors explained 61.7% of the variance in birth weight (Adj.R2 = 0.469, F(5,13) = 5,13, p = 0.02); it was found that pregnancy METs (β = .724, p = .007), 36 week cholesterol (β = 1.066, p = .02), and 36 week LDL (β = -1.267, p = .006) significantly predict birth weight. Regression analysis indicated 4 predictors explained 43.8% of the variance in birth length (Adj.R2 = 0.306, F(4,17) = 3.32, p = 0.04); it was found that pregnancy METs (β = .530, p = .03), and 36 week LDL (β = -.891, p = .049) significantly predict birth length. The primary association and predictors of infant body size was related to pregnancy exercise and late pregnancy cholesterol and LDL levels. Considering these relationships, it is essential that women maintain aerobic exercise during pregnancy, but should also be cognizant of lipid levels during their pregnancy. Therefore intervention during pregnancy focused on infant body size should involve exercise and and quality nutritional intake foods during pregnancy.

Maternal lipid profile differs by gestational diabetes physiologic subtype

AimTo characterize lipid profiles in women with different gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) physiologic subtypes. MethodsWe measured seven lipid markers (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), ApoA, ApoB) in fasting plasma collected in a prospective cohort of 805 pregnant women during second trimester. We estimated insulin sensitivity and secretion using oral glucose tolerance test-based validated indices. We categorized GDM physiologic subtypes by insulin sensitivity and secretion defects defined as values below the 25th percentile among women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), as previously established. We compared lipid markers across NGT and GDM subtypes. We explored associations between lipid markers and newborn anthropometry in the overall group and stratified by glucose tolerance status. ResultsAmong 805 women, 67 (8.3%) developed GDM. Women with GDM had higher body mass index (BMI; 29.3 vs. 26.6 kg/m2), while ethnicity (97.3% vs. 97.0% European ancestry) and age (28 vs. 29 years) were similar. In comparison to women with NGT, women with GDM characterized by a predominant insulin sensitivity defect had significantly higher triglycerides (2.20 vs. 1.82, P = 0.002), lower HDL (1.64 vs. 1.90, P = 0.01) and higher NEFA (0.34 vs. 0.24, P < 0.0001). GDM women with a predominant insulin secretion defect differed from women with NGT with respect to NEFA (0.32 vs. 0.24, P = 0.003) while other lipid markers were similar. These associations remained significant after adjusting for maternal age and BMI. Greater maternal levels of NEFA were associated with higher birth weight z-scores in women with an insulin secretion defect (BMI-adjusted r = 0.58, P = 0.01). We did not find significant associations between other lipid markers and newborn anthropometry in other groups. ConclusionWomen with GDM have distinct lipid profiles based on their GDM physiologic subtype which may not be apparent when investigating GDM as a single group.

Maternal Dyslipidaemia in Pregnancy with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Possible Impact on Foetoplacental Vascular Function and Lipoproteins in the Neonatal Circulation.

Dyslipidaemia occurs in pregnancy to secure foetal development. The mother shows a physiological increase in plasma total cholesterol and Triglycerides (TG) as pregnancy progresses (i.e. maternal physiological dyslipidaemia in pregnancy). However, in some women pregnancy-associated dyslipidaemia exceeds this physiological adaptation. The consequences of this condition on the developing fetus include endothelial dysfunction of the foetoplacental vasculature and development of foetal aortic atherosclerosis. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) associates with abnormal function of the foetoplacental vasculature due to foetal hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia, and associates with development of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Supraphysiological dyslipidaemia is also detected in GDM pregnancies. Although there are several studies showing the alteration in the maternal and neonatal lipid profile in GDM pregnancies, there are no studies addressing the effect of dyslipidaemia in the maternal and foetal vasculature. The literature reviewed suggests that dyslipidaemia in GDM pregnancy should be an additional factor contributing to worsen GDM-associated endothelial dysfunction by altering signalling pathways involving nitric oxide bioavailability and neonatal lipoproteins.

30. Maternal lipid profile in early pregnancy and the link with blood pressure and pregnancy complications

Introduction An atherogenic lipid profile is a risk factor for atherosclerosis and consequently for stroke and cardiovascular disease (CVD). An atherogenic lipid profile can cause endothelial dysfunction and consequently higher blood pressure (BP). Placentas of women with a gestational hypertensive disorder (GHD) are histologically comparable to an early stage of atherosclerosis. Objective To determine the association between maternal lipid profile in early pregnancy, GHD and BP throughout pregnancy and six and nine years after pregnancy. Methods We included 5692 women from The Generation R Study; an ongoing population-based prospective birth cohort. 218 (4.1%) women developed gestational hypertension (GH) and 139 (2.6%) women developed pre-eclampsia (PE). Maternal lipid levels included total-cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL-c, and were measured in early pregnancy (median 13.4 weeks of gestation). LDL-c, remnant cholesterol and non-HDL-c were calculated. Systolic and diastolic BP were measured in early, mid- and late pregnancy, and six and nine years after pregnancy. Results In the total population, total-cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, remnant cholesterol and non-HDL-c were positively associated with BP in early, mid- and late pregnancy, six and nine years after pregnancy. Women with PE had higher levels of triglycerides and remnant cholesterol in early pregnancy compared to those with a normotensive pregnancy. Maternal lipid levels in early pregnancy were not associated with GH. Discussion An atherogenic lipid profile in pregnancy is positively associated with BP throughout pregnancy, and six and nine years after pregnancy. In particular triglycerides are important for the risk for PE. Lipid levels in early pregnancy might help to identify women at risk for not only PE, but also future hypertension and consequently initiate early prevention of future CVD.

56. Maternal lipid profile in early pregnancy as marker for adverse perinatal outcomes

Introduction Metabolic syndrome, characterized by abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension and hyperlipidemia has become a major health problem of the modern world. Metabolic syndrome is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, such as a neonate born large for gestational age (LGA). Little is known about the role of maternal lipid concentrations in this association. Possibly, an atherogenic lipid profile in early pregnancy is a risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes. Objective To determine the association of maternal glucose and lipid concentrations in early pregnancy with perinatal outcomes: LGA, small for gestational age (SGA), and spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). Methods We included 5692 women from The Generation R Study; a prospective population-based birth cohort. Maternal glucose and lipid concentrations including triglycerides, total-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) were measured in early pregnancy (median 13.4 weeks). Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), remnant-cholesterol and non-HDL-c were calculated. A birth weight above the 90th percentile was defined as LGA and below the 10th percentile as SGA. Spontaneous birth before 37 weeks of gestation was defined as sPTB. Results Triglycerides and remnant-cholesterol were positively associated with the risk for LGA. These associations were partly mediated by maternal glucose concentrations in early pregnancy (10.9% and 9.0% respectively). HDL-c was negatively associated with the risk for LGA. Women with an atherogenic lipid profile (high triglycerides with either high total-cholesterol, high remnant-cholesterol or low HDL-c) were most at risk for a LGA child. We observed no associations between lipid concentrations in early pregnancy and the risk for SGA or sPTB. Discussion An atherogenic lipid profile in early pregnancy is associated with a higher risk for a LGA child. This association is partly mediated by maternal glucose concentration in early pregnancy. Assessing maternal lipid profile in early pregnancy might help to identify high-risk pregnancies in an early stage.

79. LXR and ABC-transporter-expression patterns in the placenta in IUGR

Introduction Atherogenic lipid oxidation and cholesterol accumulation is increased in the placenta in IUGR. Both, hypoxic conditions and the formation of small molecules like oxysterols however are involved in cellular cholesterol homeostasis by regulating the cholesterol efflux ABC-transporter expression ABCA1 and ABCG1 via activating liver-X-receptors (LXR). Objectives/hypothesis Since it is assumed that hypoxia and oxysterol production or accumulation is increased in the IUGR placenta we questioned whether the LXR-ABCA1 pathway is activated to counteract cholesterol excess. Methodes Placentas of 40 IUGR and 40 controls (CTRL) arranged in tissue micro arrays (TMA) were analyzed immunohistochemically for LXRa, LXRb, ABCA1, and ABCG1. The expression was assessed in trophoblasts and endothelium cells semi-quantitatively using Immunoreactivity-Score (IRS). Expression values were related to maternal and fetal lipid profiles. Expression patterns were statistically accomplished via the Mann–Whitney test. Results The LXRa und ABCA1-expression was increased in trophoblasts as compared to controls (LXRa Median IRS (95%CI) IUGR = 6.3 (5.59–7.06), CTRL = 4.8 (4.51–5.85), p = 0.0207; ABCA1 Median IRS (95%CI) IUGR = 7.0 (6.33–7.87), CTRL = 3.9 (3.87–5.67), p = 0.0001). No differences were found in LXRb and ABCG1 expression patterns. Discussion An increased expression of cholesterol transport molecules in trophoblasts may be a compensatory mechanism against toxic effects of cholesterol excess and oxidation within the placenta.

Maternal Lipid Concentrations during Early Pregnancy and Eating Behaviour and Energy Intake in the Offspring.

Worldwide, childhood obesity is rapidly increasing, making it a pressing public health issue. Obesity is strongly linked to eating behaviour and energy intake but little is known about their prenatal determinants. In an exploratory study of data collected within the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development (ABCD) study, we hypothesized that intra-uterine exposure to increased lipids is associated with adverse eating behaviour and increased energy intake in the offspring at age 5. During early gestation, a non-fasting blood sample was taken from 1463 non-diabetic Dutch women, including: total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), free fatty acids (FFA), Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) and Apolipoprotein B (ApoB). Eating behaviour, measured using the Children’s Eating Behaviour Questionnaire, included food approaching (enjoyment of food, food responsiveness) and food avoidant behaviour (satiety responsiveness, slowness of eating). Energy intake (total energy, fat and carbohydrate intake) was measured using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Associations were analysed using multivariable linear regression. Increased maternal TC concentrations were associated with lower enjoyment of food, higher satiety responsiveness and increased slowness of eating, as well as decreased kcal and fat intake in the offspring. Elevated ApoA1 was associated with increased slowness of eating, lower enjoyment of food and lower kcal, fat and carbohydrate intake. ApoB was positively associated with satiety responsiveness and slowness of eating. Higher TG concentrations were associated with higher food responsiveness. Maternal FFA did not show significant associations. Findings demonstrated that the maternal prenatal lipid profile was associated with offspring’s eating behaviour and energy intake, although not always in the hypothesized direction.

Correlation of maternal lipid profile with newborn’s lipid profile

Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause for morbidity and mortality in the adult population. Altered lipid levels are the recognized factors. This process is considered to begin in early life and progress silently over decades. Maternal lipid concentrations may exert an in-utero influence on infant’s lipid profile. The objective of the study was to find out the correlation of maternal lipid profile with newborn’s lipid profile.Methods: This is a hospital based, cross sectional study. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 220 parturients and their respective newborns were enrolled. Out of 220 newborns, 110 were &lt;2.5 kg (group A) and 110 were ≥2.5kg (group B) babies. 2.5 ml of Cord blood sample from each of enrolled newborns was collected from the placental end of the cord just after the delivery. Blood samples from the parturients were collected right after delivery. The concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL-c were determined by an enzymatic colorimetric method and LDL-c was calculated by the Friedewald formula.Results: In present study there was a statistically significant but poor negative correlation between maternal TG and babies’ TG level among low birth weight (˂2.5kg) babies and no other significant correlation was observed between maternal lipid profile and newborn’s lipid profile.Conclusions: Change in maternal lipid profile is not significantly associated with the mean concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL-c, HDL-c and triglycerides in newborns. Hence it shows that neonatal lipogenesis may be independent of maternal lipogenesis.