Hyperandrogenism diminishes maternal-fetal fatty acid transport by increasing FABP4-mediated placental lipid accumulation†.

ABSTRACT: Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) are critical for fetal brain development. Infants born to preeclamptic mothers or those born growth restricted due to placental insufficiency have reduced LCPUFA and are at higher risk for developing neurodevelopmental disorders. Since plasma levels of testosterone (T) and fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) are elevated in preeclampsia, we hypothesized that elevated T induces the expression of FABP4 in the placenta leading to compromised transplacental transport of LCPUFAs. Increased maternal T in pregnant rats significantly decreased n-3 and n-6 LCPUFA levels in maternal and fetal circulation, but increased their placental accumulation. Dietary LCPUFAs supplementation in T dams increased LCPUFA levels in the maternal circulation and furth

SUBMITTER: Gopalakrishnan K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9614932 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature