Lipids have long been recognized as important dietary substances for growth and development. Recently, there has been considerable interest in the role of dietary lipids, specifically essential fatty acids, in the earliest phases of life. The long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6?3) and arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4?6) are important structural components of membrane phospholipids. The highest concentrations of these LCPUFA, especially DHA, are found in the brain. Exponential fetal accumulation begins during the last trimester of pregnancy and continues until the age of two. During the prenatal period the fetus depends on the maternal supply of preformed DHA and ARA to meet its needs. These fatty acids are transferred across the placenta by placental fatty acid binding proteins (p-FABP).
Recent findings suggest that insulin resistance may result in altered lipid metabolism and thus impact fetal LCPUFA status. Insulin resistance in pregnancy is often characterized by increased maternal body mass index (BMI). Due to the increase in the number of women entering pregnancy as overweight or obese, concern has been raised regarding insulin resistance, which can lead to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). These conditions could prove detrimental to the developing fetus in part because of their impact on nutrient supply to the fetus. The purpose of the present study is to assess if maternal serum fatty acids are associated with maternal BMI in the second trimester of pregnancy.
CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ABSTRACT
CHAPTER
1 INTRODUCTION
- Justification
Objectives
Research Statement
Limitations
Definitions
Assumptions
2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE
- Lipids and Fatty Acids
Synthesis of Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (LCPUFA)
Importance of ?3 and ?6 Fatty Acids
Importance of LCPUFAs during Pregnancy
Placental Transfer of ?3 and ?6 Fatty Acids
Obesity, BMI, and Insulin Resistance
Obesity and Pregnancy
Influence of BMI and Insulin Resistance on LCPUFA Transfer
3 METHODS
- Participants and Sampling
Procedures
Statistical Analysis
4 RELATIONSHIP OF MATERNAL SERUM FATTY ACIDS AND BODY MASS INDEX
- Introduction
Subjects and Methods
Results
Discussion
5 SUMMARY
REFERENCES
VITA
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