Abstract
The factors that contribute to unexplained (i.e., non-genetic) hypercholesterolemia in the newborn are poorly understood. Since the human fetal adrenal utilizes LDL-C as substrate for synthesis of the estrogen precursor-Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DS), the rate of adrenal utilization of fetal LDL-C could influence fetal plasma C levels. Therefore, we quantified C (total, LDL, HDL, and VLDL) and DS in umbilical cord plasma obtained at term of normal and abnormal newborns, and those delivered of mothers with various pregnancy complications. Results (C-mg/dl, DS-ng/ml; mean ± SE) are shown below:
We conclude that most instances of newborn hypercholesterolemia can be explained on the basis of impaired utilization of LDL-C by the fetal adrenal due to maternal disease or fetal anomaly rather than genetic predisposition for this disorder. (Supported in part by Grant HD14513).
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Parker, C., Simpson, R., Carr, B. et al. 436 THE EFFECT OF MATERNAL AND FETAL COMPLICATION ON NEWBORN PLASMA LIPOPROTEIN-CHOLESTEROL (C) LEVELS. Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 513 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00447
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00447