Abstract
EFA are incorporated into brain lipids and serve as prostaglandin (PG) precursors. Increased CNS morbidity in low birthweight infants is well recognized. Plasma levels and EFA were measured in phospholipids (PL), cholesterol esters (CE), triglycerides (TG) and free fatty acids (FFA) by TLC and GLC in 16 postpartum mothers (28-44 weeks) and in the umbilical vein and artery of 32 newborns. Groups of eight 24-33, 34-37, 38-42 and 43-44-week-old infants were studied. Increased PL, CE and TG (p<0.001) were noted in maternal plasma compared with cord blood; linoleic acid was lower (p<0.001) in cord blood PL, CE and FFA. EFA derivatives-Δ-8,11,14-eicosatrienoic, arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids were higher in cord blood (p<0.001). Total polyenoic EFA increased with advanced gestation, and at term, was close to maternal levels. Δ-5,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid (elevated in EFA deficiency) was elevated in cord blood as compared with maternal values (p<0.001); other criteria of EFA deficiency were absent. The study demonstrated that during the third trimester, fetal EFAs are elongated and desaturated. These higher polyenoic acids are incorporated into lipids in the developing CNS and also serve as substrate for PCS biosynthesis. The lower linoleic acid level in the fetus may play an important role in transplacental transport of EFA.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Friedman, Z., Lamberth, E., Danon, A. et al. ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS (EFA) IN CORD BLOOD OF THIRD TRIMESTER INFANTS AND MATERNAL PLASMA. Pediatr Res 11, 513 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00862
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00862