Fetal and maternal apolipoprotein A-I and B levels during the second half of pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate maternal and fetal apolipoprotein A-I and B (Lp A-I and Lp B) concentrations in uncomplicated pregnancies across the second half of pregnancy. Study design: Paired (n = 55) maternal and fetal umbilical venous samples were obtained at diagnostic cordocenteses from 20 to 36 weeks. Levels of Lp A-I and Lp B were measured by turbimetric assay. Results: Maternal Lp B (r = 0.30; p = 0.03) but not Lp A-I (r = -0.02, p = 0.5) levels displayed a significant correlation with gestational age. Moreover, the ratio of Lp B to Lp A-I significantly increased across gestation in maternal plasma (r = 0.30; p = 0.04). Fetal Lp A-I and Lp B values did not correlate with gestational age, or maternal Lp A-I or Lp B levels. Moreover, no significant correlation was found between the ratio of fetal plasma Lp B to Lp A-I and gestational age. The mean (± SD) maternal plasma Lp A-I concentration was significantly higher than the corresponding mean fetal Lp A-I level [1.55 (0.48) versus 0.78 (0.5); p < 0.001]. Similarly, the mean maternal Lp B level was significantly higher than the corresponding fetal value [1.28 (0.33) versus 0.46 (0.30); p < 0.001]. Conclusion: Fetal Lp A-I and Lp B levels were significantly lower than maternal levels and did not correlate with gestational age.