FETAL AND MATERNAL APOLIPOPROTEIN-A-I AND APOLIPOPROTEIN-B LEVELS DURING THE 2ND HALF OF PREGNANCY

Objective To evaluate maternal and fetal apolipoprotein A-1 and B (Lp A-1 and Lp B) concentrations in uncomplicated pregnancies across the s econd half of pregnancy. Study design Paired (n = 55) maternal and fet al umbilical venous samples were obtained at diagnostic cordocenteses from 20 to 36 weeks. Levels of Lp A-1 and Lp B were measured by turbim etric assay. Results Maternal Lp B (r = 0.30; p = 0.03) but not Lp A-1 (r = -0.02, p = 0.5) levels displayed a significant correlation with gestational age. Moreover, the ratio of Lp B to Lp A-1 significantly i ncreased across gestation in maternal plasma (r = 0.30; p = 0.04). Fet al Lp A-1 and Lp B values did not correlate with gestational age, or m aternal Lp A-1 or Lp B levels. Moreover, no significant correlation wa s found between the ratio of fetal plasma Lp B to Lp A-1 and gestation al age. The mean (+/- SD) maternal plasma Lp A-1 concentration was sig nificantly higher than the corresponding mean fetal Lp A-1 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-1 an d Lp B levels were significantly lower than maternal levels and did no t correlate with gestational age.