Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 5, 2026

The Use of Gas Chromatography to Analyze Compositional Changes of Fatty Acids in Rat Liver Tissue during Pregnancy
11:08

The Use of Gas Chromatography to Analyze Compositional Changes of Fatty Acids in Rat Liver Tissue during Pregnancy

Published on: March 13, 2014

30.1K

Newborns with lower levels of circulating polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are abdominally more adipose

N Sanz1, M Diaz, A López-Bermejo

  • 1Endocrinology Unit, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Esplugues, Barcelona, Spain.

Pediatric Obesity
|December 7, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Newborns with lower levels of circulating Poly-Unsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA) showed increased abdominal fat. This study investigated the relationship between maternal and fetal PUFA levels and infant body composition.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional science
  • Pediatric research
  • Human physiology

Background:

  • Maternal nutrition is the primary source of fetal Poly-Unsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA).
  • PUFA may play a role in early-life fat accumulation.
  • Understanding these early influences is crucial for long-term health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between Poly-Unsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA) levels in maternal and fetal circulation at birth and infant body composition.
  • To determine if specific PUFA levels correlate with body composition in breastfed infants.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 33 breastfed infants born appropriate-for-gestational-age.
  • Body composition was assessed using absorptiometry at 2 weeks and 4 months postpartum.
  • Poly-Unsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA) levels were measured via gas chromatography in maternal and fetal circulation.

Main Results:

  • Lower umbilical-cord levels of individual PUFA (linoleic, arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids) were negatively associated with abdominal fat at 2 weeks.
  • Both n-6 and n-3 PUFA levels showed significant negative associations with the absolute and relative amounts of abdominal fat.
  • No other significant associations between PUFA levels and body composition were observed.

Conclusions:

  • Newborns with lower circulating Poly-Unsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA) exhibited higher levels of abdominal adiposity.
  • The underlying biological mechanisms driving this association require further investigation.
Abstract

Keywords:
Abdominal fatabsorptiometrymaternal nutritionpolyunsaturated fatty acids

More Related Videos

Isolation and Differentiation of Primary White and Brown Preadipocytes from Newborn Mice09:00

Isolation and Differentiation of Primary White and Brown Preadipocytes from Newborn Mice

Published on: January 25, 2021

12.3K
Quantitative Determination of De Novo Fatty Acid Synthesis in Brown Adipose Tissue Using Deuterium Oxide07:34

Quantitative Determination of De Novo Fatty Acid Synthesis in Brown Adipose Tissue Using Deuterium Oxide

Published on: May 12, 2023

1.7K

Related Concept Videos

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
2.1K
Hypodermis01:02

Hypodermis

The hypodermis (the subcutaneous layer or superficial fascia) is present directly below the dermis. It connects the skin to the underlying fascia (fibrous tissue) of the bones and muscles. It is not strictly a part of the skin, although the border between the hypodermis and dermis can be difficult to distinguish. The hypodermis consists of well-vascularized, loose, areolar connective tissue and adipose tissue, which functions as a mode of fat storage and provides insulation and cushioning for...
7.7K
Structure of Lipids03:38

Structure of Lipids

Lipids include a diverse group of compounds that are largely nonpolar in nature. This is because they are hydrocarbons that include mostly nonpolar carbon-carbon or carbon-hydrogen bonds. Non-polar molecules are hydrophobic (“water fearing”), or insoluble in water. Lipids perform many different functions in a cell. Cells store energy for long-term use in the form of fats. Lipids also provide insulation from the environment for plants and animals. For example, they help keep aquatic...
87.9K
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution01:17

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution

Drug distribution in the pediatric population exhibits unique challenges and considerations due to the physiological differences between children, particularly neonates and infants, and adults. A crucial aspect of pediatric pharmacology is understanding how these differences impact the pharmacokinetics of various drugs, necessitating age-specific dosing strategies to ensure efficacy and safety.Neonates and infants have a higher total body water content, ~75%–90% of their body weight,...
554
Signs of Puberty01:27

Signs of Puberty

Puberty is a critical phase, typically beginning between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, though timing can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and overall health. This period is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the attainment of reproductive potential. Endocrine changes underpin puberty, with hormonal surges of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) instigated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)...
2.1K
Fetal Circulation01:14

Fetal Circulation

Fetal circulation is a unique system that facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the developing fetus and the mother. This intricate process takes place through a special organ called the placenta.
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
5.0K