No abstract

The aim of this work was to determine lipoprotein metabolism alterations in macrosomic newborns and to see whether these lipoprotein abnormalities are parallel or not to those found in their obese or nonobese mothers. Serum lipids, apo A-I, apo B100, lipoproteins (VLDL, LDL, HDL₂, and HDL₃), and LCAT activity were investigated in obese and nonobese mothers and cord blood of their macrosomic or appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) newborns. Serum and VLDL triglyceride concentrations were higher in obese mothers of AGA newborns than in nonobese mothers. Serum triglyceride, VLDL, and apo B100 levels were higher, while serum apo A-I and HDL₂ cholesterol concentrations were lower in obese mothers of macrosomic newborns than in the other groups. In their macrosomic newborns, serum lipid, lipoprotein, apo B100, and apo A-I levels were higher as compared with those of other newborns. Macrosomic newborns of nonobese mothers had lipoprotein profiles similar to those in AGA newborns. LCAT activity was similar in both mother groups and in both newborn groups. In conclusion, maternal obesity and fetal macrosomia were associated with lipoprotein abnormalities consistent with high atherogenic risk.

Aims-To determine the eVects of fetal macrosomia related to maternal type 1 diabetes on the lipid transport system. Methods-Serum lipoprotein concentrations and composition and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity were investigated in macrosomic newborns (mean birth weight, 4650 g; SEM, 90) and their mothers with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes, in appropriate for gestational age newborns (mean birth weight, 3616 g; SEM, 68) and their mothers with well controlled type 1 diabetes, and macrosomic (mean birth weight, 4555 g; SEM, 86) or appropriate for gestational age (mean birth weight, 3290 g; SEM, 45) newborns and their healthy mothers. Results-In mothers with well controlled type 1 diabetes, serum lipids, apolipoproteins, and lipoproteins were comparable with those of healthy mothers. Similarly, in their infants, these parameters did not diVer from those of appropriate for gestational age newborns. Serum triglyceride, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), apolipoprotein B100 (apo B100), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) triglyceride concentrations were higher, whereas serum apo A-I and HDL 3 concentrations were lower in mothers with diabetes and poor glycaemic control than in healthy mothers. Their macrosomic newborns had higher concentrations in all serum lipids and lipoproteins, with high apo A-I and apo B100 values compared with appropriate for gestational age newborns. In macrosomic infants of healthy mothers, there were no significant diVerences in lipoprotein profiles compared with those of appropriate for gestational age infants. LCAT activity was similar in both groups of mothers and newborns. Conclusion-Poorly controlled maternal type 1 diabetes and fetal macrosomia were associated with lipoprotein abnormalities. Macrosomic lipoprotein profiles related to poor metabolic control of type 1 diabetes appear to have implications for later metabolic diseases. (J Clin Pathol 2000;53:917-923)

The aim of this work was to investigate inflammatory, oxidative, and thrombotic parameters as biomarkers in farmers exposed to pesticides. Fifty farmers using chemical pesticides and 60 unexposed control men participated in this study. The Mediterranean diet compliance, the duration of pesticide use, and personal protection for pesticides handling were recorded using self-administered questionnaires. Serum biochemical parameters, oxidant/antioxidant, inflammatory, and thrombosis markers were determined. Our findings showed oxidative stress reflected by an increase in malondialdehyde, carbonyl proteins and superoxide anion levels and a decrease in vitamins C and E, glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities in farmers. Serum C-reactive protein, prothrombin, and fibrinogen levels were enhanced in these farmers. In conclusion, inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic perturbations reflected the possibility of the effects of pesticides to farmers.

The aim of this study was to determine whether macrosomia related to maternal diabetes alters lipoprotein metabolism and whether these abnormalities still persist or regress after 1 month of life. Serum lipoprotein compositions and concentrations as well as serum lipid fatty acid compositions were investigated in macrosomic infants (birth weight = 4840 +/- 105 g at term) of insulin-dependent diabetic mothers at birth and after 1 month of life, and were compared to those of control infants (birth weight = 3400 +/- 198 g at term) of healthy mothers. Compared to controls, at birth, macrosomic newborns had higher serum lipids, apolipoprotein A-I and B-100, and lipoprotein (very low density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein-2 and high density lipoprotein-3) levels. Higher percentages of C18:2n-6 in serum triacylglycerols, phospholipids and cholesteryl esters were also observed. At day 30, in macrosomics, serum triacylglycerol, apo B-100, very low density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein levels were still significantly higher. C18:2n-6 and C18:3n-3 contents in serum phospholipids, triacylglycerols and cholesteryl esters were reduced while C20:4n-6 and C22:6n-3 contents in serum phospholipids and cholesteryl esters were enhanced, compared to control values. Macrosomia was associated with alterations in lipoprotein compositions and concentrations at birth, some of which persisted after 1 month of life, and might play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and atherosclerosis in adult life.