Association between oxidized LDL and folate during pregnancy

Biol Res Nurs. 2013 Apr;15(2):213-8. doi: 10.1177/1099800411427581. Epub 2011 Dec 15.

Abstract

High levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) during pregnancy are a risk factor for preeclampsia. Ox-LDL levels might be affected by folate and total homocysteine (tHcy) levels because of their effects on oxygen free radicals. The relationships between ox-LDL and folate and tHcy during pregnancy, however, remain unclear. The present study investigated whether serum folate levels and plasma tHcy levels were associated with plasma ox-LDL levels in pregnant women. A sample of 137 healthy subjects with singleton pregnancies (age 30.3 ± 4.5 years) was recruited from a prenatal clinic in metropolitan Tokyo between June and October 2008. Their levels of plasma ox-LDL, plasma tHcy, and serum folate were measured, and lifestyle variables were obtained using a questionnaire. Dietary intake was assessed by means of a validated self-administered diet history questionnaire. A negative correlation between plasma ox-LDL levels and serum folate levels was found (r(s) = -.218, p =.011). However, there was no association between plasma ox-LDL levels and plasma tHcy levels (r(s) = .055, p = .525). The mean of the logarithmic ox-LDL levels was significantly lower among the participants taking folic acid-containing supplements regularly than among those who were not, after adjusting for confounding factors (p = .024). Serum folate levels and folic acid supplementation might be associated with plasma ox-LDL levels, independent of tHcy levels. The association observed between ox-LDL and folate can be used as evidence for dietary instruction by prenatal care providers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Folic Acid / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Lipoproteins, LDL / metabolism*
  • Pregnancy
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Lipoproteins, LDL
  • oxidized low density lipoprotein
  • Folic Acid