Umbilical cord and maternal blood red cell fatty acids and early childhood wheezing and eczema

Newson, R. B., Shaheen, S. O., Henderson, A. J., Emmett, P. M., Sherriff, A. , Calder, P. C. and ALSPAC Study Team, (2004) Umbilical cord and maternal blood red cell fatty acids and early childhood wheezing and eczema. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 114(3), pp. 531-537. (doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2004.05.010)

Abstract

Background: Few studies have explored whether fetal exposure to n-6 and n-3 fatty acids influences the inception of atopic disease.<p></p> Objective: To assess prenatal fatty acid exposures as predictors of early childhood wheezing and eczema.<p></p> Methods: In the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, late pregnancy maternal blood samples and umbilical cord blood samples were assayed for n-6 and n-3 fatty acids (percentage of total red cell phospholipid), and mothers were asked about wheezing and eczema in their children. We measured associations of 11 n-6 and n-3 fatty acid exposures with wheezing at 30 to 42 months, with wheezing patterns defined by presence (+) or absence (−) of wheezing during 2 periods, 0 to 6 months and 30 to 42 months (transient infant, +/−; later-onset, −/+; persistent, +/+; n = 1191 and n = 2764 for cord and maternal analyses, respectively), and with eczema at 18 to 30 months (n = 1238 and n = 2945 for cord and maternal analyses, respectively).<p></p> Results: In cord blood red cells, the ratio of arachidonic:eicosapentaenoic acid was positively associated with eczema (adjusted odds ratio [OR] per doubling, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.00-1.31; P = .044), the ratio of linoleic acid:α-linolenic acid was positively associated with later-onset wheeze (OR, 1.30; CI, 1.04-1.61; P = .019), and the ratio of α-linolenic acid:n-3 products was negatively associated with later-onset wheeze (OR, 0.86; CI, 0.75-0.99; P = .040). However, these associations were no longer significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons.<p></p> Conclusions: It seems unlikely that fetal exposure to n-6 and n-3 fatty acids is an important determinant of early childhood wheezing and atopic disease.<p></p>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Sherriff, Professor Andrea
• Authors: Newson, R. B., Shaheen, S. O., Henderson, A. J., Emmett, P. M., Sherriff, A., Calder, P. C., and ALSPAC Study Team,
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
• Journal Name: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0091-6749
• ISSN (Online): 1097-6825

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