Can variability of serum electrophoretic fractions during pregnancy provide knowledge about maternal and fetal health

Characteristics of variability of concentrations total protein and its electrophoretic fractions in serum of healthy pregnant women between successive trimesters and post-partum for initial classification of proteins involved in specific metabolic processes associated with pregnancy.

Total serum protein concentrations were measured by biuret method and serum protein fractions were electrophoretically separated in 166 serum samples collected from healthy pregnant women in three trimesters of pregnancy (1st, n = 55; 2nd, n = 42; 3rd, n = 39) and in post-partum (n = 30), and in 20 samples from nonpregnant controls.

Across pregnancy, there were gradual, but occurring at different rates, decreases over time in serum total protein, albumin and gamma globulins compared to controls (P < 0.05). In 1st trimester, serum concentrations of total protein, albumin and gamma globulins were <10% lower than in nonpregnant state, with further decreases in 2nd and 3rd trimesters and in post-partum. The concentrations of alpha-1-, alpha-2-, beta-1- and beta-2-globulins were elevated compared to controls (P < 0.05) with different dynamics of change and with the highest percentage increase for alpha-1-globulin.

Pregnancy-associated alterations in the serum concentrations of total protein and in its individual electrophoretic protein fractions in each trimester of pregnancy and differences versus normal ranges in nonpregnant healthy females could be a simple screening method for classification useful laboratory parameters that help obstetricians and gynecologists to make multidirectional judgments about the state of health of pregnant women.