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First-Trimester Serum n-3/n-6 Fatty Acids Predict Large-for-Gestational-Age Risk: A Nested Case-Control Study
Xiaxia Cai1,2, Haiyan Zhu3, Ning Liang2,4
1School of Public Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Environment and Aging, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
Insights
Maternal polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels in early pregnancy are linked to infant size. Higher levels of arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may increase the risk of large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Nutritional Science
- Perinatal Development
Background:
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential for fetal growth and development.
- Maternal PUFA status during pregnancy may influence fetal growth trajectories.
- Large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants are associated with increased risks of adverse perinatal and long-term health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal serum concentrations of n-3 and n-6 PUFAs in early pregnancy and the risk of delivering LGA infants.
- To identify specific PUFAs that may predict or be associated with LGA.
- To explore the potential role of PUFA profiles in guiding prenatal nutritional strategies.
Main Methods:
- A nested case-control study design was employed, including 45 matched pairs of LGA and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) infants.
- Maternal serum samples were collected in early pregnancy from a cohort of 2839 women.
- Lipid profiles, including various PUFAs, were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
- Statistical analyses, including Spearman correlation, chi-square tests, and logistic regression, were used to assess associations.
Main Results:
- Higher serum levels of arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were positively correlated with an increased risk of LGA.
- Elevated quartiles of ARA and DHA were associated with significantly increased odds of LGA.
- Conversely, higher levels of linoleic acid (LA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio were negatively correlated with LGA risk.
- Higher overall n-6 PUFA levels were found to be protective against LGA.
Conclusions:
- Maternal serum n-3 and n-6 PUFA levels in early pregnancy are significantly associated with the risk of delivering LGA infants.
- Specific PUFAs, namely ARA and DHA, may contribute to an increased risk of LGA, while higher n-6 PUFA intake might be protective.
- These findings highlight the potential of monitoring PUFA levels as early indicators for personalized nutritional interventions during pregnancy to optimize fetal growth.
Abstract:
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are critical for fetal development during pregnancy. This study evaluates the association between maternal serum n-3 and n-6 PUFAs in early pregnancy and the risk of large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants. A nested case-control study was conducted with 45 LGA-appropriate for gestational age (AGA) matched pairs from a cohort of 2839 pregnant women. Maternal serum samples collected during early pregnancy were analyzed for lipid profiles using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Associations between fatty acid levels and LGA risk were assessed using Spearman correlation, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. The results indicated that higher arachidonic acid (ARA, p = 0.024) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, p = 0.039) levels were positively correlated with LGA risk. Linoleic acid (LA, p = 0.009), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, p = 0.040), and the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (p = 0.034) were negatively correlated with LGA. Adjusted odds ratios indicated that higher quartiles of ARA (OR = 2.293, p = 0.078) and DHA (OR = 2.593, p = 0.038) increased LGA risk, while higher n-6 PUFA levels reduced the risk (OR = 0.340, p = 0.019). In conclusion, early pregnancy serum n-3 and n-6 PUFA levels are associated with LGA risk. Elevated ARA and DHA levels may increase LGA risk, while higher n-6 PUFA levels may be protective. These findings suggest that PUFA levels could serve as early indicators for targeted nutritional interventions.
