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The Use of Gas Chromatography to Analyze Compositional Changes of Fatty Acids in Rat Liver Tissue during Pregnancy
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Similarities between acylcarnitine profiles in large for gestational age newborns and obesity

Paula Sánchez-Pintos1, Maria-Jose de Castro2, Iria Roca2

  • 1Diagnosis and Treatment of Congenital Metabolic Diseases Unit (UDyTEMC). Neonatology Service. Department of Pediatrics. Hospital Clínico Universitario. University of Santiago de Compostela. Institute of Clinical Research of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS). CIBERER, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. paula.sanchez.pintos@sergas.es.

Scientific Reports
|November 28, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Newborns large for gestational age (LGA) show altered acylcarnitine profiles, mirroring those in obese individuals. This suggests an increased risk for metabolic issues later in life.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Neonatology
  • Metabolic Health

Background:

  • Large for gestational age (LGA) newborns face elevated risks for obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.
  • Acylcarnitine profiles in obese individuals show increased levels of specific short-chain (C2, C3) and medium/long-chain acylcarnitines.
  • These metabolic alterations are linked to an unhealthy metabolic phenotype.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze and compare the postnatal acylcarnitine profiles of LGA newborns with those previously described in obese children and adults.
  • To investigate potential early metabolic markers in LGA infants.

Main Methods:

  • An observational study involving 2514 newborns, including 246 LGA infants.
  • Acylcarnitine analysis performed on dried-blood spots collected on day 3 of life using tandem mass spectrometry.

Main Results:

  • LGA newborns exhibited significantly higher levels of total short-chain acylcarnitines, C2, and C3.
  • Elevated levels of C12, C14, and C16 acylcarnitines (excluding C12:1) were observed in LGA infants.
  • A higher prevalence of carnitine insufficiency and deficiency was noted in LGA newborns.

Conclusions:

  • LGA newborns present a distinct postnatal acylcarnitine profile characterized by elevated C2, C3, and total short-chain acylcarnitines.
  • This profile resembles that of childhood and adult obesity, indicating a potential early metabolic risk.
  • The findings highlight acylcarnitine profiling as a tool for identifying LGA infants at risk for metabolic dysfunction.

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