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Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Microbiome Research
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are microbial metabolites of dietary fiber with known anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Inflammation and lipid metabolism are crucial during pregnancy, yet maternal SCFA levels and their relation to pregnancy outcomes are understudied.
  • SCFAs may influence inflammatory conditions like obesity via histone acetylation modulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal plasma SCFA concentrations and spontaneous preterm birth.
  • To explore the relationship between SCFAs and pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI).

Main Methods:

  • A pilot study measured seven SCFAs in plasma samples from women with spontaneous preterm delivery (n=20) and healthy term delivery (n=30).
  • SCFA levels were quantified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.
  • Logistic regression with penalized likelihood was employed to analyze associations with preterm birth, adjusting for covariates. Linear association with BMI was also examined.

Main Results:

  • A significant negative association was observed between propionic acid levels and spontaneous preterm birth (aORadj: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.41-0.86).
  • Propionic acid also showed a significant negative linear association with pre-pregnancy BMI (β = -0.14, p = 0.0011).
  • No other SCFAs demonstrated significant associations with preterm birth or BMI.

Conclusions:

  • Lower maternal plasma propionic acid concentrations are associated with an increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth and higher pre-pregnancy BMI.
  • These findings suggest a potential protective role for propionic acid in pregnancy, possibly through anti-inflammatory pathways.
  • Larger prospective studies are warranted to confirm these associations and investigate SCFA roles earlier in gestation.