Effect of a glucose challenge on plasma copper levels during pregnancy

This study examined the effect of pregnancy and glucose loading on plasma copper (Cu) levels. In a completely random design with repeated measures, 18 nonpregnant women, 16 early pregnant women (13-17 weeks), and 16 late pregnant women (28-34 weeks) ingested 100 g glucose with blood collected at 0, 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes to evaluate changes in Cu levels in blood. Plasma Cu and plasma ceruloplasmin (CP) activity increased significantly (p less than 0.05) as pregnancy progressed, even though there were no significant differences in dietary Cu intakes. Plasma Cu and CP activity responses to the glucose challenge were similar for the three groups. Combined data from the three groups showed a significant (p less than 0.05) increase in plasma Cu by 30 minutes, which dropped significantly (p less than 0.05) by 180 minutes, and a significant decrease (p less than 0.05) in plasma CP activity from baseline to 180 minutes. Although plasma Cu and CP activity were altered with pregnancy, their responses to a glucose challenge did not appear to be associated with the diabetogenic state of pregnancy.