This study was designed to test the hypothesis that altered angiogenic factors together with increased oxidative stress and reduced docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels may be associated with altered birth outcome parameters. To test this hypothesis, levels of plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) and fatty acids were estimated in women with preeclampsia and their cord samples and compared with those in normotensive women. The association of these parameters with birth outcome was also examined. Our results show that in preeclamptic women, maternal plasma VEGF and PlGF levels were lower, whereas sFlt-1 levels were higher (Po0.05 for all) than in normotensive women. In contrast, cord plasma VEGF levels were higher (Po0.05) in preeclamptic women, whereas there was no difference in sFlt-1 levels. Plasma DHA levels in both the mother and cord were lower (Po0.05) in the preeclamptic group compared with normotensive women. Maternal plasma sFlt-1 levels were positively (n¼23, r¼0.415, P¼0.039) associated with MDA concentrations in preeclamptic women. Maternal plasma sFlt-1 levels showed a strong negative association with baby weight (n¼37, r¼À0.547, P¼0.001), head circumference (n¼37, r¼À0.472, P¼0.005) and baby chest circumference (n¼37, r¼À0.375, P¼0.032) in the preeclamptic group. Cord plasma sFlt-1 concentrations were negatively associated with cord plasma DHA concentrations (n¼28, r¼À0.552, P¼0.004). This study suggests that dysregulation of angiogenic factors may be associated with maternal oxidative stress. Increased oxidative stress may reduce cord DHA levels and increase sFlt-1 levels, leading to poor birth outcomes in preeclampsia.
Reduced antioxidants and increased oxidative stress leading to impaired essential polyunsaturated fatty acid levels may be a key factor in the development of pre-eclampsia.
Background: Maternal fatty acid nutrition during pregnancy and lactation determines the transfer of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids via the placenta and through human milk. Neural maturation of breast-fed infants is known to be linked to breast-milk long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations. In spite of this, the fatty acid composition of breast milk in pre-eclamptic mothers is poorly understood. Objectives: To compare the fatty acid composition of breast milk of pre-eclamptic (n = 45) with normotensive (n = 85) mothers and examine the association of breast-milk fatty acids with plasma fatty acids. Methods: Milk and plasma fatty acid methyl esters were prepared and analyzed by the modified method of Manku and colleagues using gas chromatography. Results: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentrations were significantly increased (p < 0.01) in breast milk in spite of lower maternal plasma DHA concentrations (p < 0.05) in pre-eclamptic women. However, there was no difference in arachidonic acid levels between groups in spite of reduced maternal plasma arachidonic acid levels. Conclusions: The data suggest that in pre-eclampsia, the relation between plasma and milk DHA is altered. The resulting higher milk DHA concentrations are beneficial for infants.
Background/Aims: Our earlier study has shown that increased maternal oxidative stress and reduced antioxidants like vitamin E and C play an important role in fetal growth in preeclampsia. However, the role of antioxidants and their effects on gestation and birth outcome in normotensive pregnancies are not conclusive. The present study examined plasma malondialdehyde as a marker of oxidative stress and antioxidant concentrations (vitamins E and C) in maternal as well as in cord blood samples in normotensive women who delivered both preterm and at term. Methods: 140 normotensive pregnant women were recruited at Bharati Medical Hospital, Pune, India, during the year 2007. Maternal and cord samples were examined for oxidative stress levels and vitamin C and E concentrations in women who delivered preterm (n = 40) and at term (n = 100). Mean values were compared with those of women delivering at term using the t test. Results: Increased (p < 0.05) oxidative stress was seen in preterm mothers as well as in cord samples. Preterm mothers had higher vitamin C concentrations (p < 0.05), and these were positively associated with oxidative stress (p = 0.02). Vitamin E levels were comparable between groups. Conclusions: Increased maternal circulating vitamin C concentrations and increased oxidative stress are associated with preterm delivery.
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