title: Differential regional fatty acid distribution in normotensive and preeclampsia placenta.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) are biologically active fatty acids which regulate placental angiogenesis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Abnormalities in these aspects have been associated with preeclampsia (PE). Further, placenta has a heterogeneous structure with differential vascularization across different regions. We therefore hypothesize that the distribution of fatty acids in various regions of the placenta is altered in PE leading to poor fetal outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this cross-sectional study we recruited 69 normotensive control (NC) and 44 women with PE. PE women were further classified as those delivered preterm (PTPE, n = 24) and at term (TPE, n = 20). Fatty acid levels were analyzed from placental samples from four different regions (CF-central fetal, PF-peripheral fetal, CM-central maternal and PM-peripheral maternal).
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the NC placenta, AA levels were lower (p < 0.05) in CM as compared with CF region. However, such differences were not seen in the TPE and PTPE. In contrast, the DHA levels varied between regions only in the PTPE placenta. Between groups, DHA levels were lower (p < 0.05 for both) in the CM and CF regions of the PTPE as compared with NC. The levels of DHA in TPE placenta were similar to NC. AA levels were lower (p < 0.05 for both) in CF region of TPE and PF region of PTPE placenta than NC.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is differential pattern of LCPUFA distribution across various regions of the NC, TPE and PTPE placenta. This may have implications for placental growth and development as well as transfer of LCPUFA to the fetus.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutritional Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune, India.
authors.forename: Alka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rani
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutritional Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune, India.
authors.forename: Preeti
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chavan-Gautam
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bharati Medical College and Hospital, Pune, India.
authors.forename: Savita
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mehendale
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bharati Medical College and Hospital, Pune, India.
authors.forename: Girija
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wagh
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutritional Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune, India.
authors.forename: Sadhana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Joshi
keywords: Birth weight; Blood pressure; Polyunsaturated fatty acids; Preeclampsia; Regional placenta