Pregnancy is associated with alterations in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclasses, but the exact pattern of these variations remains controversial. This study investigates longitudinal changes of plasma LDL and HDL particles distributions during the course of normal pregnancy, as well as associations of maternal LDL and HDL subclasses distributions before delivery with parameters of newborn size. Blood samples were collected from 41 healthy pregnant women throughout entire pregnancy, before delivery and 7 weeks postpartum. LDL and HDL subclasses were determined by gradient gel electrophoresis, while other biochemical parameters were measured by standard laboratory methods. During gestation LDL size significantly decreased (P < 0.001), due to reduction in relative proportion of LDL I (P < 0.01) and increase of LDL II (P < 0.001) and IIIA (P < 0.05) subclasses. In the same time, HDL size and proportions of HDL 2a particles significantly decreased (P < 0.001), with concomitant increase of HDL 3b and 3c subclasses (P < 0.05). Observed alterations were associated with changes in serum triglyceride levels. Rearrangement in LDL subclasses distribution during gestation was transient, while postpartum HDL subclasses distribution remained shifted toward smaller particles. Higher proportion of LDL IVB in maternal plasma before delivery was an independent predictor of smaller birth weights and lengths, while higher proportions of LDL IVB and HDL 2a subclasses were independent determinants of newborns' smaller head circumferences. Routine gestational and prenatal care in otherwise normal pregnancy could be complemented with evaluation of LDL and HDL particles distribution in order to ensure an adequate size of the newborn.

Background. As a physiological condition closely linked with increased susceptibility to oxidative stress, pregnancy can be further compromised by cigarette smoking. Inadequate nutrition and reduced intake of antioxidants can also disrupt the prooxidant/antioxidant relationship and contribute to oxidative stress. Increased oxidative stress during pregnancy may be involved in several complications of pregnancy, such as preterm labor, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia and miscarriage. Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of maternal smoking habits before pregnancy on the parameters of oxidative stress and the antioxidative defense system, lipid profile parameters and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity during the third trimester of uncomplicated pregnancies. Material and Methods. Healthy pregnant women (n = 86) were divided into non-smoking and smoking groups, and into groups taking vitamin supplements and not taking them. Oxidative damage was measured through the levels of thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS) and plasma antioxidant status was evaluated by measuring total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Results. TBARS concetration was significantly higher (p < 0.05) and PON1 activity was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the smokers' group. No significant differences were found in the investigated parameters in relation to vitamin supplement intake. Conclusions. Habitual smoking before pregnancy is associated with increased oxidative stress. Vitamin supplementation has no effect on the oxidative stress status of healthy pregnant women (Adv Clin Exp Med 2014, 23, 4, 575-583).

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The results of our current study indicate the association of maternal weight gain during pregnancy and altered lipid profile, elevated oxidative stress and changed antioxidative capacity of PON1. Taken together all these facts indicate possible increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) development in later life if the weight gain during pregnancy is excessive.

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