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Characterization of lipoproteins and associated lipidome in very preterm infants: a pilot study

Alice Küster1,2, Mikael Croyal3,4,5, Thomas Moyon1

  • 1Nantes University INRAe, UMR 1280 PhAN, CHU Nantes, CRNH Ouest, IMAD, 44000, Nantes, France.

Pediatric Research
|June 23, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Very preterm infants born with very low birth weight exhibit altered lipid profiles, including reduced docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and increased cholesterol. These changes may contribute to neurodevelopmental and cardiometabolic risks later in life.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatology
  • Neonatology
  • Lipidomics
  • Cardiovascular Science

Background:

  • Preterm birth, especially very preterm birth, is linked to long-term neurodevelopmental and cardiometabolic issues.
  • Altered lipid supply between mother and fetus is a potential contributing factor to these risks.
  • This study investigated lipidome and apolipoprotein profiles in very preterm infants with very low birth weight (VLBW).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare lipidome and apolipoprotein profiles in very preterm infants (VLBW) versus term infants.
  • To identify specific lipid alterations in umbilical cord blood and maternal plasma.
  • To explore the potential implications of these alterations for infant health outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of maternal and umbilical cord (vein and artery) plasma from 7 VLBW preterm infants (<32 weeks gestational age) and 8 term infants.
  • Lipoprotein isolation using Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC).
  • Quantification of cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoproteins (ApoA-I) using LC-MS/MS and lipidomic analysis.

Main Results:

  • VLBW infants showed higher cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol in umbilical vessels (UV and UA).
  • Lower apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) was observed in HDL2 within the UV of preterm neonates.
  • Increased phosphatidylcholine (PC) with saturated/monounsaturated fatty acids and specific sphingomyelins were found in UV and UA, while DHA-containing PC was reduced in the UV.

Conclusions:

  • Reduced DHA-PC in VLBW infants suggests lower DHA bioavailability, potentially impacting neurodevelopment.
  • Altered HDL-2, VLDL, and sphingomyelin profiles indicate increased atherogenic and metabolic risks in adulthood.
  • These findings highlight the need for targeted nutritional strategies, focusing on fatty acid composition, for infants born very prematurely.
Abstract

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