Protein turnover in pregnancy.
Whole-body protein metabolism was studied at 13, 24 and 35 weeks gestation in six healthy women using a continuous infusion [13C]leucine technique. Values were expressed in terms of fat-free body weight (FFM) calculated using literature standards for changes in total body potassium during pregnancy. Mean protein synthesis increased from 5.3 (+/- 0.6 SD) g/kg FFM/24h at 13 weeks to 5.9 +/- 0.5 (P less than 0.1) at 24 weeks and 6.1 +/- 0.6 at 35 weeks (P less than 0.05 vs 3 weeks). Similar increases were noted in catabolism so that net loss changed little. Protein synthesis at 24 and 35 weeks gestations was significantly greater than that in 17 healthy, non-pregnant women (4.9 +/- 0.6, P less than 0.001). These data indicate that there are substantial increases in protein turnover during pregnancy.
Thompson
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Nutrition Research Group, Clinical Research Centre, Harrow, UK.
Halliday
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D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000737:chemistry; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001823:Body Composition; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007930:Leucine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000378:metabolism*; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D012016:Reference Values
D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D011506:Proteins; D007930:Leucine