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Changes in homocysteine levels during normal pregnancy.
M C Walker1, G N Smith, S L Perkins
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ottawa, Canada.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|March 17, 1999
Summary
Total plasma homocysteine levels decrease during pregnancy, correlating with lower albumin and increased folic acid intake. These findings are crucial for understanding pregnancy-related metabolic changes.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Obstetrics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Elevated homocysteine is a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Understanding homocysteine dynamics during pregnancy is essential for maternal and fetal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in total plasma homocysteine concentrations throughout normal pregnancy.
- To correlate homocysteine levels with albumin, vitamin B12, and folate status.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 155 pregnant women across three trimesters and nonpregnant controls.
- Measurement of plasma homocysteine, albumin, serum B12, serum folate, and red blood cell folate.
- Statistical analysis to determine correlations and significance.
Main Results:
- Homocysteine levels were significantly lower in all trimesters compared to nonpregnant controls (P <.001).
- Mean homocysteine concentrations varied across trimesters but remained below control levels.
- Homocysteine showed a direct correlation with albumin levels, which decreased during pregnancy.
- Folic acid supplementation was associated with decreased homocysteine concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy is associated with a significant decrease in serum homocysteine concentrations.
- The decline in homocysteine is linked to physiological changes, including reduced albumin levels.
- Folic acid supplementation plays a role in modulating homocysteine levels during pregnancy.