Association of omega-3 fatty acids and homocysteine concentrations in pre-eclampsia

SummaryBackground & aimsThe present study examines the associations of folic acid, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids and increased homocysteine which are implicated in the pathology of pre-eclampsia.Methods49 Pre-eclamptic and 57 normotensive women were recruited at Bharati hospital, Pune, India. Plasma folate, vitamin B12, homocysteine and erythrocyte omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids were analyzed.ResultsHomocysteine concentrations were higher in pre-eclamptic than in normotensive women (14.28 ± 7.31 vs. 11.03 ± 4.38 μmol/l, p < 0.01) despite similar levels of folic acid and vitamin B12. In the pre-eclamptic group, plasma folate levels were positively associated with erythrocyte omega-6 fatty acids (p < 0.05) while erythrocyte docosahexaenoic acid levels were negatively associated with plasma homocysteine levels (p < 0.01).ConclusionsOur study provides evidence for the associations of altered omega-3 fatty acids especially docosahexaenoic acid and the resultant increased homocysteine concentrations in pre-eclampsia. Future studies need to examine if docosahexaenoic acid supplementation during pregnancy reduces homocysteine levels and ameliorates the risk of developing pre-eclampsia.