Impact of Selected Eicosanoids in Normal and Pathological Pregnancies

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is a physiological state in which the female body undergoes a series of changes and adaptations to provide the best possible conditions for the growth and development of the forming baby. The internal adaptations that take place lead to the production of inflammation, which is necessary for the initial and final stages of pregnancy (embryo implantation and induction of labor). Gestational diabetes mellitus is considered to be the most common pathology during this period. However, many more serious health complications can arise, which include pre-eclampsia, fetal stunting, and preterm labor. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of the levels of individual eicosanoids on the course of normal pregnancy and the possibility of pathologies including gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. Methods: Sixty-nine pregnant women who were overweight or obese before and during pregnancy were studied. Eicosanoids were extracted as appropriate and then determined using liquid chromatography. The levels of eicosanoids studied in pregnant women differed not only according to the week of pregnancy but also in relation to individual anthropometric and biochemical parameters. Results: There was a significant correlation between being overweight and having a high BMI before pregnancy—as well as biochemical parameters of lipid and carbohydrate profiles—and the occurrence of pathological conditions in pregnancy. Conclusions: Eicosanoids are involved in the pathology of pregnancy associated with the occurrence of gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. Salicylic acid may find use in the treatment of pregnant women exposed to both phenomena, as well as in overweight and obese women found before pregnancy. Diets rich in natural salicylates, methods of administration, and pharmacotherapy and dosage need further study. Some of the mediators (lipoxin, prostaglandin and leucotrien) may be new diagnostic markers in pregnancy pathology and intervention pathways in the future.