Pregnancy-induced Hyperlipoproteinemia: Review of the Literature

Abstract

It is well known that with the effect of hormonal changes during pregnancy, plasma lipid levels increase. Expected elevations for triglyceride and cholesterol levels during a normal gestational period usually do not exceed 332 mg/dL and 337 mg/dL, respectively (corresponding 95th percentile values). However, elevations over the 95th percentile values can be observed during pregnancy, and patients with levels over these expected adaptation levels can be divided into 2 groups: (1) supraphysiologic hyperlipoproteinemia during pregnancy and (2) extreme hyperlipoproteinemia limited to gestational period (triglyceride level >1000 mg/dL). Regarding the first group, some of these patients may develop hyperlipoproteinemia in their future life. What percentage of these women will translate into hyperlipoproteinemia later in life and how efficiently these women can be screened during pregnancy is an enigma. The underlying disorders in the second group of patients at least include dysbetalipoproteinemia, partial lipoprotein lipase deficiency, and apoprotein E3/3 genotype. Pregnancy had been reported to induce severe hyperlipoproteinemia that is limited to gestational period in these disorders. Dysbetalipoproteinemia, partial lipoprotein lipase deficiency, and apoprotein E3/3 genotype probably bring risks and implications to the future life of the carrying individuals although the true extent of the risks is yet to be defined. When disorders unique to gestational period such as gestational diabetes are considered, pregnancy may be accepted as an opportunity to identify women under risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Evaluation of Biochemical and Immunohistochemical Placental Antioxidant Status in Normal and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Mothers

“…Biochemical and IHC analysis of the present study revealed the severe OS and the poor antioxidant capacity and thrive for the balance in the antioxidant system in GDM placental tissues. GDM is linked with fetal macrosomia [42], endothelial dysfunction associated with dyslipidemia, also known as hypertriglyceridemia, a positive correlation between maternal triglycerides and neonatal body weight [43][44][45].…”

Perfil Lipídico Por Trimestre De Gestación en Una Población De Mujeres Adultas

“…Basarán (29), sugiere que durante un período de gestación normal, los niveles de CT y TG no deben superar 337 mg/dl y 332 mg/dl respectivamente. En este trabajo se obtuvieron valores de percentilo 95 para CT y TG de 321 mg/dl y 371 mg/dl respectivamente, correspondientes al tercer trimestre, los cuales podrían ser utilizados como valores de corte en nuestra población.…”

Boots for Achilles: Progesterone's Reduction of Cholesterol Is a Second-Order Adaptation

“…Progesterone-Mediated Reductions in Cholesterol During Pregnancy, the Luteal Phase, and Menopause Early pregnancy is associated with a nadir in the mean value of serum cholesterol (Darmady and Postle 1982;Basaran 2009). Although cholesterol rises steadily through gestation, early in the first trimester there is an initial decrease in plasma lipids (Basaran 2009;Sep et al 2011).…”

“…Although cholesterol rises steadily through gestation, early in the first trimester there is an initial decrease in plasma lipids (Basaran 2009;Sep et al 2011). Cholesterol levels eventually climb dramatically, but recovery from the initial decline is gradual, such that LDL levels at the end of the first trimester are often still within normal ranges (Brizzi et al 1999); it is generally only by the beginning of the second trimester that cholesterol levels rise substantially above the pre-pregnancy baseline (Basaran 2009). …”

“…Despite progressive increases in progesterone levels, cholesterol levels increase during gestation; plasma concentration increases about 50% on average, the major increase occurring during the second trimester (Potter and Nestel 1979;Basaran 2009), while plasma triglyceride concentration reaches a peak in the third trimester (Potter and Nestel 1979;Basaran 2009). In regard to both LDLs and HDLs, the ratio of triglycerides to cholesterol rises throughout the course of pregnancy (Potter and Nestel 1979).…”