Association of omega-3 fatty acids and homocysteine concentrations in pre-eclampsia

Background & aims: The present study examines the associations of folic acid, vitamin B-12 and omega-3 fatty acids and increased homocysteine which are implicated in the pathology of pre-eclampsia. Methods: 49 Pre-eclamptic and 57 normotensive women were recruited at Bharati hospital, Pune, India. Plasma folate, vitamin B-12, homocysteine and erythrocyte omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids were analyzed. Results: Homocysteine concentrations were higher in pre-eclamptic than in normotensive women (14.28 +/- 7.31 vs. 11.03 +/- 4.38 mu mol/l, p < 0.01) despite similar levels of folic acid and vitamin B-12. In the pre-eclamptic group, plasma folate levels were positively associated with erythrocyte omega-6 fatty acids (p < 0.05) while erythrocyte docosahexaenoic acid levels were negatively associated with plasma homocysteine levels (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our study provides evidence for the associations of altered omega-3 fatty acids especially docosahexaenoic acid and the resultant increased homocysteine concentrations in pre-eclampsia. Future studies need to examine if docosahexaenoic acid supplementation during pregnancy reduces homocysteine levels and ameliorates the risk of developing pre-eclampsia. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.