Maternal erythrocyte fatty acid composition as a predictive marker for pregnancy health

Abstract

Pregnancy is accompanied by a surge in demand for fatty acids (FAs) in order to support maternal health, as well as fetal growth and development. Of particular demand is essential for long‐chain polyunsaturated FAs. FAs are primarily obtained from dietary sources and are distributed in the body. In comparison with the use of self‐reporting approaches, measuring the FA levels within different blood compartments can present a more accurate image of nutritional, and thus tissue, FA composition. Hence, the FA profile of plasma or serum is commonly used for physiological analyses. Nevertheless, plasma and serum FAs are not yet incorporated into cell membranes, and consequently may not be a suitable reflection of the FA status of body tissues. The evaluation of erythrocyte FA levels offers a superior possibility for the following reasons: the biological fluctuation of erythrocyte FA composition is low, phospholipids account for almost all the lipid content of erythrocytes, and the FA profiles of erythrocytes represent those of tissues. Here, we elaborate on whether the status of maternal erythrocyte FAs can serve as a prognostic biomarker for reproductive health and fetomaternal complications, including embryonic and fetoplacental development, gestational length, and preeclampsia. In addition, factors with the potential of altering the maternal erythrocyte FAs such as maternal diet, lifestyle habits, genetics, and body composition are discussed.

Fatty Acid Composition of a Maternal Diet and Erythrocyte Phospholipid Status in Latvian Pregnant Women

“…Physiological and hormonal changes occur during pregnancy, which affects lipid metabolism and, therefore, the composition of FAs in target tissues [ 15 , 16 ]. The detection of FA in erythrocyte membrane phospholipids, as a potential biomarker, can reflect the risk of complications during pregnancy [ 17 , 18 ]. The FA composition of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids depends on the dietary intake of various FAs as well as age, ethnicity, genetics and endogenous metabolism, body mass index, health status including liver metabolism, lifestyle factors—smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity—among other factors [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”

“…The detection of FA in erythrocyte membrane phospholipids, as a potential biomarker, can reflect the risk of complications during pregnancy [ 17 , 18 ]. The FA composition of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids depends on the dietary intake of various FAs as well as age, ethnicity, genetics and endogenous metabolism, body mass index, health status including liver metabolism, lifestyle factors—smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity—among other factors [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess fat and FA intake—quantity and quality—and evaluate the association between the main FAs in erythrocyte membrane phospholipids and some of the influencing factors of this association—dietary fat intake, supplement intake, and the most significant lifestyle factors—in Latvian pregnant women.…”