Maternal plasma DHA levels increase prior to 29 days post-LH surge in women undergoing frozen embryo transfer: a prospective, observational study of human pregnancy

Meyer, B. J., Onyiaodike, C. C., Brown, E. A., Jordan, F., Murray, H., Nibbs, R. J. B. , Sattar, N. , Lyall, H., Nelson, S. M. and Freeman, D. J. (2016) Maternal plasma DHA levels increase prior to 29 days post-LH surge in women undergoing frozen embryo transfer: a prospective, observational study of human pregnancy. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 101(4), pp. 1745-1753. (doi: 10.1210/jc.2015-3089) (PMID:26895389)

Abstract

Context: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an important fatty acid required for neurological development but its importance during early fetal neurological organogenesis is unknown. Objective: To assess plasma fatty acid changes in early pregnancy in women undergoing natural cycle-frozen embryo transfer as a means of achieving accurately-timed periconceptual sampling. Design: Women undergoing frozen embryo transfer were recruited and serial fasting blood samples were taken pre-luteinising hormone (LH) surge, and at days 18, 29 and 45 post-LH surge and fatty acids were analysed using gas chromatography. Setting: Assisted Conception Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Scotland Main outcome measures: Plasma fatty acid concentrations, influence of twin pregnancies on DHA plasma concentration. Results: In pregnant women, there was a rapid, early increase in the maternal rate of change of plasma DHA concentration observed by 29 days post-LH surge (mean±SD, from 0.1±1.3 to 1.6±2.9 nmol DHA per mL plasma per day). This early pressure to increase plasma DHA concentration was further emphasised in twin pregnancies where the increase in DHA concentration over 45 days was two-fold higher than in singleton pregnancies (mean±SD increase, 74±39 nmol/mL versus 36±40 nmol/mL). An index of delta-6 desaturase activity increased 30% and positively correlated with the rate of change of DHA concentration between day 18 and 29-post LH surge (R-squared adjusted = 41%, P=0.0002). DHA was the only fatty acid with a continual accelerated increase in plasma concentration and a positive incremental area under the curve (mean±SD, 632±911 nmol/mL x day) over the first 45 days of gestation. Conclusions: An increase in maternal plasma DHA concentration is initiated in human pregnancy prior to neural tube closure which occurs at 28 days' gestation.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: D.J.F., R.J.B.N., H.L., S.M.N., and N.S. were in receipt of a Wellbeing of Women project Grant RG939/07. D.J.F. was in receipt of a Carnegie Award 2010, Harold Hyam Wingate Medical Research Travel Grant 2010. B.J.M. was in receipt of a University of Wollongong Study Leave Assistance Grant 2012.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Nelson, Professor Scott and Jordan, Mrs Fiona and Freeman, Dr Dilys and Murray, Mrs Heather and Meyer, Dr Barbara and Nibbs, Professor Rob and Sattar, Professor Naveed
• Authors: Meyer, B. J., Onyiaodike, C. C., Brown, E. A., Jordan, F., Murray, H., Nibbs, R. J. B., Sattar, N., Lyall, H., Nelson, S. M., and Freeman, D. J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Robertson Centre; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Publisher: Endocrine Society
• ISSN: 0021-972X
• ISSN (Online): 1945-7197
• Published Online: 19 February 2016
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 Endocrine Society
• First Published: First published in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 101(4): 1745-1753
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.