Effect of gestational diabetes and smoking on the elemental status of the maternal fetal placental unit

Abstract

Objective: This study is undertaken to investigate the effects of gestational diabetes and smoking on the elemental status of the maternal-fetal-placental unit.

Methods: Concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mg and Ca are determined in placental tissue, maternal and fetal plasma and fetal red blood cell samples obtained during delivery (group 1 gestational diabetes, n=8; group 2 smoking, n=8; group 3 healthy controls, n=9). The elemental analysis is performed by inductively coupled atomic emission spectrophotometry.

Results: The diabetes group shows no significant differences with respect to the elemental status of maternal and fetal plasma and fetal red blood cells. The only significant variation is observed in placental Fe (p<0.05). In the smoking group, significant decreases are determined in placental Ca (p<0.05), matermal plasma Zn, Mg and Ca (p<0.05), along with fetal plasma Mg (p<0.01) and Ca (p<0.05) levels.

Conclusion: The results are indicative of variations in perinatal elemental metabolism in abnormal states of pregnancy, especially smoking, however the mechanisms underlying these alterations are yet to be elucidated.

Keywords

• Trace elements,electrolytes,pregnancy,gestational diabetes,smoking

References

1. Qod£ny S, Jeney F, Szabo G, Borbely-Kiss I. Koltay E. Determination of magnesium and other elements during pregnancy. In: Weidinger 11, ed Magnesium in klinik und Forschung. Muncher Wissenschaftliche Fublicationen 1987:1 77-203.