MATERNAL LIPID METABOLISM AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR FETAL GROWTH
Rajiha Majid Abdulateef* and Lamyaa Abdullah Mohammed
ABSTRACT
Glucose is the most abundant nutrient crossing the placenta and the use
of both glucose and amino acids by the fetus is essential to sustain
intrauterine development. Nevertheless, changes in lipid metabolism
during gestation also play a key role in the development of fetal fat
mass and subsequent growth. During early pregnancy there is an
increased accumulation of fat depots in the mother, which is switched
to an active adipose tissue breakdown in late pregnancy; these changes
are responsible for the maternal hyperlipidemia that is normally
present during the last third of pregnancy. The changes are controlled
by different hormones, but the biphasic changes in insulin sensitivity taking place during
pregnancy seem to play a major role. Maternal hyperlipidemia mainly results from an
increase in TAG-rich lipoproteins, which transport LCPUFA in particular mainly in their
esterified form. Lipoproteins in maternal plasma don’t cross the placenta directly, but the
presence of lipoprotein receptors, fatty acid binding proteins and different lipases allow the
transfer of LCPUFA to the fetus.
Keywords: Maternal lipid metabolism, fetal growth.
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