Maternal and fetal long chain fatty acids in term and preterm birth

The content and distribution of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) of maternal-fetal erythrocytes phospholipids was investigated. Blood samples from healthy pregnant women were taken from maternal veins and umbilical cord at spontaneous delivery time. Two groups were segregated and compared in terms of fetuses gestational age: preterm delivery (32-34 weeks) and term delivery (40 weeks). The results showed that in erythrocytes of term newborn the content of LCP omega 6 and omega 3; particularly 20:4w6 (ARA) and 22:6w3 (DHA), were found to be statistically higher than their respective mother. However, in preterm newborns, all LCP from phospholipids erythrocytes were found to be statistically lower than in their mother. Comparing the content of ARA and DHA between the newborn groups, it observed that only DHA was decreased in preterm group. Women who delivered premature babies showed a blood ratio ARA/DHA higher than those who delivered term-babies. From this study and considering previous information it can be suggested that a high content of ARA and ARA/DHA ratio in maternal and fetal erythrocytes may considered an early risk signal of preterm delivery.