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Effects of Pregnancy on Plasma Sphingolipids Using a Metabolomic and Quantitative Analysis Approach
Luke F Enthoven1, Yuanyuan Shi2, Emily Fay3
1Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
Metabolites
|September 27, 2023
Summary
Pregnancy significantly alters maternal sphingolipid levels, with most ceramides, sphingomyelins, and sphingosines increasing. These changes may impact endothelial function and conditions like gestational diabetes mellitus.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Metabolomics
- Lipidomics
Background:
- Maternal metabolic changes during pregnancy are not fully understood.
- Sphingolipids play crucial roles in cellular functions and signaling pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of pregnancy on maternal sphingolipid profiles.
- To compare sphingolipid levels between pregnant and postpartum states.
Main Methods:
- Utilized metabolomics and targeted quantitative analysis (UPLC/MS/MS) on maternal blood samples.
- Compared samples from 25–28 weeks gestation with samples collected ≥3 months postpartum.
- Analyzed three sphingolipid subclasses: ceramides, sphingomyelins, and sphingosines.
Main Results:
- Metabolomics identified 43 sphingolipids, with 35 showing significant differences between pregnancy and postpartum.
- 32 sphingolipids were found at higher concentrations during pregnancy.
- Quantitative analysis confirmed significant alterations in 17 sphingolipids, with 14 elevated during pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy is associated with increased plasma sphingolipid concentrations.
- Altered sphingolipid metabolism may have implications for endothelial function, gestational diabetes mellitus, and fetal development.
- This study demonstrates significant changes in maternal sphingolipid metabolism during pregnancy.
