Decreased levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in preeclampsia

Article Abstract:

Prostanoids such as thromboxane and prostacyclin are hormone-like molecules which effect tissues close to where they are produced. Thromboxane and prostacyclin have opposite effects on blood vessel diameter and may be related to the high blood pressure associated with preeclampsia, a condition experienced by some pregnant women that is also characterized by fluid retention in the extremities, headache, and protein in the urine. Prostanoids are derived from two types of polyunsaturated fatty acids which must be obtained from the diet, as the body cannot manufacture them. The synthesis of prostanoids from n-3 and n-6 fatty acids are complex and interrelated, with each potentially regulating the other under normal conditions. To better understand the relationship between n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, blood levels of these substances were measured in 11 pregnant patients, 9 pregnant patients with preeclampsia, and 10 nonpregnant women. Total levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids were similar in pregnant and nonpregnant patients, but were significantly higher in pregnant women than in preeclamptic patients. Similarly, pregnant patients had significantly higher levels of linoleic acid (an n-6 fatty acid) and linolenic acid (an n-3 fatty acid) compared with preeclamptic patients, but not when compared with nonpregnant women. Two other n-3 fatty acids were significantly elevated in pregnant patients compared with nonpregnant women. These results suggest that decreased levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in preeclamptic women may be related to altered metabolism or other abnormalities in the way cells handle fatty acids. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Measurement, Development and progression, Preeclampsia, Pregnancy, Complications of, Pregnancy complications, Unsaturated fatty acids

---

Pregnancy increases cardiovascular toxicity to cocaine

Article Abstract:

The effect of cocaine use during pregnancy is obscured by the purity factor of street cocaine. Cocaine can cause brain hemorrhage, early detachment of the placenta and early labor when used by pregnant women. In pregnant sheep, cocaine can cause abnormal heart rhythms, breathing complications, seizures and death. The changes in the heart rate and blood pressure were studied in sheep given two doses of cocaine, which were high enough to produce increased blood pressure but not abnormal heart rhythms and seizures. As the dose of cocaine was increased, blood pressure and heart rate increased in both the pregnant and nonpregnant sheep. A return to baseline occurred 30 to 60 minutes after cocaine administration. Pregnant sheep experienced higher blood pressure at both doses (29.6 and 48.7 percent), five minutes after cocaine administration, than the nonpregnant sheep (15.6 and 27.7 percent). The responses were similar after five minutes. It is concluded that pregnancy increases toxic effects of cocaine upon the heart. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Heart, Cocaine abuse, Cocaine, Drug abuse in pregnancy

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Fatty acid absorption in preterms on formulas with and without long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and in terms on formulas without these added
• Abstracts: Dose-intensive use of cyclophosphamide in ablation of neuroblastoma. A new combination chemotherapy for advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (vincristine, cyclophosphamide, melphalan, peptichemio, and prednisone protocol)
• Abstracts: Cost effectiveness of bone marrow transplantation in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia. Let's make a deal: negotiating a settlement between physicians and society
• Abstracts: The effect of maternal cocaine use on the fetus: changes in antepartum fetal heart rate tracings. Cocaine abuse during pregnancy: peripartum prevalence and perinatal outcome

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.