Study Shows Disruptions in Lipid Metabolism In COVID-19 Infections During Pregnancy Will Affect Newborn Health!
COVID-19-Pregnancy - Lipid Metabolism - Newborn Health Jul 26, 2023 1 year, 3 months, 3 weeks, 6 days, 10 hours, 11 minutes ago
Some of these lipid metabolism disruptions can result in non-proper brain development of the newborns, auto-immune and inflammatory issues!
COVID-19-Pregnancy: This is our 7
th installment of a series of 25 articles as to why couples should not conceive while the COVID-19 crisis is still ongoing. The links to the previous 6 articles can be found at the end of the article.
The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on global health, affecting individuals of all ages. Among the most vulnerable groups are pregnant women, raising concerns about potential repercussions on the development of their future children. As researchers strive to understand the impact of COVID-19 on maternal health, a recent groundbreaking study sheds light on a crucial aspect - the disruptions in lipid metabolism during pregnancy and its implications for newborn health.
The Study and Its Collaborative Efforts
The
COVID-19-Pregnancy study, a collaboration between the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology-Russia, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, and Siberian State Medical University-Russia, aimed to explore the characteristics of lipid metabolism in the "mother-placenta-fetus" system during COVID-19 infection in pregnancy. A total of 234 women were included in the study, with their maternal plasma, cord blood, and amniotic fluid lipidomes analyzed using HPLC-MS/MS.
Revealing Disruptions in Lipid Profile
The results of the study were striking, indicating significant disruptions in lipid profiles of pregnant women who had experienced COVID-19 infection. Notably, elevated levels of lysophospholipids, triglycerides, sphingomyelins, and oxidized lipids were registered in both maternal and cord plasma after COVID-19 infection. Importantly, the severity of lipid disruptions appeared to vary depending on the trimester during which the mother contracted the infection. The second trimester seemed to be the most critical period, showing the most significant disturbances.
Implications for Newborn Health
The study's findings suggest that these lipid metabolism disruptions might have far-reaching consequences on newborn health. Of particular concern was the potential impact on brain development, as alterations in lipid concentrations during the second and third trimesters are closely related to the fetus's critical period of maximum growth. The presence of increased lysophospholipids, known to trigger tissue inflammation processes and affect hemostasis, might explain the occurrence of auto-immune and inflammatory issues in newborns.
Role of Sphingomyelins in COVID-19 Pathophysiology
One intriguing discovery from the study was the selective increase in sphingomyelins during infection in the second trimester. Sphingomyelins are vital components of cell membranes
, and disruptions in their levels have been associated with severe COVID-19 cases. The activation of the sphingomyelinase-ceramide pathway has been linked to the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for combating severe cases.
Predictive Models and Newborn Health
The study's researchers developed diagnostic models based on maternal plasma to predict newborn health outcomes in COVID-19 cases during each trimester. These models exhibited good diagnostic value, offering the potential for early identification of newborns at higher risk, allowing for timely interventions and improved care.
Potential Long-Term Consequences For Newborns
While the study provided critical insights into the immediate impact of COVID-19 on lipid metabolism during pregnancy, it also raised concerns about potential long-term consequences. Changes in lipid concentrations in cord blood, particularly triglycerides, essential fatty acids, and cholesterol esters, might affect fetal brain development and respiratory health in the early neonatal period. Furthermore, the association with autoimmune disorders and thrombosis risk warrants further investigation to better understand and manage potential health complications later in life.
Conclusion
The study's revelations on disruptions in lipid metabolism during COVID-19 infection in pregnancy shed light on the complex interplay between the virus and maternal-fetal health. The findings have profound implications for the health and development of newborns, with potential consequences that extend well beyond infancy. As researchers continue to unravel the intricate relationships between COVID-19 and pregnancy, this study serves as a crucial step towards a better understanding of the virus's impact on maternal health and its far-reaching consequences on future generations. It underscores the need for continued research and vigilance to safeguard the well-being of pregnant women and their children during and after the pandemic.
The study findings were published on a preprint server and are currently being peer reviewed.
For the latest on
COVID-19-Pregnancy research, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-news-covid-19-exposure-during-pregnancy-leads-to-epigenetic-changes-in-newborns,-paving-the-way-for-health-issues-later-in-life
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-news-covid-19-infection-in-pregnant-women-alters-microbiota-composition-passed-onto-infants,-impacting-their-long-term-health
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-news-offspring-of-pregnant-women-with-covid-19-will-likely-have-altered-brain-developments-especially-males
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-infection-during-pregnancy-increases-risk-of-adverse-maternal,-fetal,-and-newborn-outcomes-and-increases-risk-of-death
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-news-covid-19-infections-during-pregnancy-alters-expression-of-important-pregnancy-genes-that-can-give-rise-to-complications
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/spanish-study-reveals-alarming-risks-of-maternal-death-and-preeclampsia-in-pregnant-women-infected-with-covid-19
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