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Longitudinal circulating concentrations of long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the third trimester of pregnancy in gestational diabetes
Author(s) -
Zhao J. P.,
Levy E.,
Shatenstein B.,
Fraser W. D.,
Julien P.,
Montoudis A.,
Spahis S.,
Xiao L.,
Nuyt A. M.,
Luo Z. C.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
diabetic medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.474
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1464-5491
pISSN - 0742-3071
DOI - 10.1111/dme.12978
Subject(s) - gestational diabetes , medicine , docosahexaenoic acid , pregnancy , gestation , polyunsaturated fatty acid , endocrinology , diabetes mellitus , gestational age , fatty acid , obstetrics , fetus , biology , biochemistry , genetics
Aim Gestational diabetes mellitus is a common complication of pregnancy. Long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids ( LCPUFA ) are essential for fetal neurodevelopment. Docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA ) is the predominant n–3 LCPUFA in the brain and retina. Circulating absolute concentrations of total n–3 and n–6 LCPUFA s rise during normal pregnancy. It remains unclear whether gestational diabetes may affect the normal rise in circulating concentrations of LCPUFA s in the third trimester of pregnancy – a period of rapid fetal neurodevelopment. This study aimed to address this question. Methods In a prospective singleton pregnancy cohort, fatty acids in fasting plasma total lipids were measured at 24–28 and 32–35 weeks of gestation in women with ( n = 24) and without gestational diabetes mellitus ( n = 116). Fatty acid desaturase activity indices were estimated by relevant product‐to‐precursor fatty acid ratios. Dietary nutrient intakes were estimated by a food frequency questionnaire. Results Plasma absolute concentrations of total n–6 LCPUFA s rose significantly between 24–28 and 32–35 weeks of gestation in women with or without gestational diabetes, whereas total n–3 LCPUFA s and DHA concentrations rose significantly only in women without gestational diabetes (all P < 0.01). Delta–5 desaturase indices (20:4n–6/20:3n–6) were similar, but delta–6 desaturase indices (18:3n–6/18:2n–6) were significantly lower in women with gestational diabetes at 32–35 weeks of gestation. Dietary intakes of all fatty acids were comparable. Conclusion The normal rise in circulating absolute concentrations of DHA and total n–3 LCPUFA s in the third trimester of pregnancy may be compromised in gestational diabetes, probably due to impaired synthesis or mobilization rather than dietary intake difference.