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Plasma lipoproteins in pregnancy
Hormone Research
|January 1, 1976
Summary
Pregnancy alters lipid metabolism, with significant increases in cholesterol, triglyceride, and apolipoprotein B, particularly in the third trimester. These changes in very low density (VLDL) and low density (LDL) lipoproteins indicate shifts in their composition and size.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Lipid Metabolism
Background:
- Pregnancy is associated with significant physiological changes.
- Lipid profiles undergo alterations during gestation.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for maternal and fetal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in plasma lipids and lipoproteins during pregnancy.
- To quantify the increases in cholesterol, triglyceride, and apolipoprotein B.
- To characterize alterations in very low density (VLDL) and low density (LDL) lipoproteins.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, and apolipoprotein B in healthy pregnant women.
- Analysis of lipoprotein composition and size using polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis.
- Assessment of changes in VLDL and LDL properties.
Main Results:
- Hyperlipidemia was most pronounced in the third trimester.
- Increases were observed in cholesterol (14%), triglyceride (74%), and apolipoprotein B (36%).
- Changes in VLDL and LDL included altered cholesterol-to-apolipoprotein B ratios and modified electrophoretic properties.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy induces distinct changes in lipid and lipoprotein profiles.
- The observed alterations in VLDL and LDL composition and size are significant.
- These changes were not clearly attributable to growth hormone, oestrogens, or progestogens.