Publication:

Comparison of lipoprotein and apolipoprotein levels in cord blood

Background Hyperlipidemia is the primary risk factor for coronary artery disease and subsequently leading to morbidity and mortality in adulthood. It is a well-known fact that coronary artery disease can initiate in the fetal stage itself. The present study was planned to analyse cord blood lipoproteins and apolipoproteins levels and its association with gender and birth weight.

Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, in collaboration with Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at SKIMS Medical College and Hospital, Bemina, Srinagar. A total 200 pregnant women who delivered by normal vaginal delivery and caesarean section were included in the study. 10 ml of umbilical cord blood was collected in a plain vial from the placental end within five minutes of delivery and serum lipoprotein and Apo-lipoprotein levels were measured.

Results Out of 200 newborns102 were males and 98 were females. Statistically significant difference was seen in parameters Apo A1, Apo B, Atherogenic index (Apo B/Apo A1) and LDL between the genders rest of the parameters were statistically. Also 32 newborns (16.0%) had 4000 grams birth weight. The mean lipoprotein and Apo-lipoprotein levels in these new born were compared between the groups. The mean serum levels of TC, TG, LDL and HDL were statistically significant ( 0.05) respectively.

Conclusions CVD being a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing countries, early screening of the at risk babies i.e. low birth weight newborns using cord blood lipoproteins and apolipoproteins levels helps in primordial and primary prevention of diseases.