Related Experiment Videos
Unusual high-density lipoprotein subclass distribution during late pregnancy
K Silliman1, A R Tall, N Kretchmer
1Department of Molecular and Nuclear Medicine, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, University of California 94720.
Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Pregnancy alters high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, increasing larger HDL2b subclasses. This shift is linked to higher triglyceride and cholesterol levels during gestation, returning to normal postpartum.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Human Physiology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Plasma lipoprotein metabolism exhibits unique changes during late pregnancy.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels typically increase alongside hypertriglyceridemia in pregnancy, a pattern contrary to non-pregnant states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between lipid profiles and specific HDL subclasses during late pregnancy.
- To analyze changes in HDL size distribution from gestation to postpartum.
Main Methods:
- Nondenaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (GGE) was used to determine HDL size distribution.
- Lipid and apolipoprotein levels were measured in 36 pregnant women and 10 nonpregnant controls at different stages.
Main Results:
- Pregnant women showed significantly higher triglyceride, cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I, and HDL cholesterol levels compared to postpartum.
- HDL subclass analysis revealed a significant increase in the large HDL2b species during late pregnancy (86% of subjects).
- Postpartum and nonpregnant states were characterized by a predominance of smaller HDL3a subclasses.
Conclusions:
- Late pregnancy is associated with a distinct shift in HDL subclass distribution, favoring larger, less dense HDL2b particles.
- This shift correlates positively with increased HDL2b, apolipoprotein A-I, and HDL cholesterol levels.
- Elevated cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and estrogen concentrations may contribute to these pregnancy-induced lipoprotein changes.