Increase in maternal adiposity and poor lipid profile is associated with oxidative stress markers during pregnancy

This study aimed to evaluate changes in maternal adiposity and lipid profile and to correlate these parameters with Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels among pregnant women.

This was a longitudinal study which took place in Kelantan state, Malaysia. Fasting blood samples of 159 healthy pregnant women were collected in second and third trimesters from April 2010 until October 2011. Maternal total body fat was assessed using bioimpedance analysis method.

When compared to data in second trimester, pregnant women in third trimester showed significantly higher levels of total body fat (p<0.001), total cholesterol (p<0.001), triglyceride (p<0.001), LDL-C (p=0.001), DNA damage (p<0.001) and TAC (p<0.001) but a lower level of HDL-C (p<0.001). Maternal adiposity and lipid profile were positively and consistently correlated with DNA damage in second and third trimesters. Significant and positive correlations of triglyceride with TAC levels were noted in both periods indicating compensatory action against increased oxidative stress.

Normal pregnancy is associated with marked changes in lipid metabolism, prooxidant and antioxidant status. Dyslipidemia-associated oxidative stress was demonstrated with advancing gestational age. Appropriate preventive and compensatory measures should be practiced to minimize the effect of oxidative stress throughout pregnancy.