Erythrocyte fatty acids and desaturase indices in early pregnancy are associated with risk of preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy disorder that may be associated with inadequate maternal nutrition. Fatty acids are vital for placental and fetal growth. Fatty acid desaturases, key enzymes influencing the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids, are reported to be associated with cardiometabolic risk. Any imbalance in the levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can result in increased inflammatory response. The current study reports the levels of erythrocyte fatty acids and desaturase index across gestation in women who develop PE (n = 108) and compares them with non-PE women (n = 216). Maternal erythrocyte fatty acids were measured at 4 time points during pregnancy (i.e., 11-14, 18-22, 26-28 weeks and at delivery) using gas chromatography. Maternal total erythrocyte saturated fatty acids and omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio was higher in the PE group as compared to the non-PE group at 11-14 weeks and 18-22 weeks respectively. Maternal Δ5 desaturase index was lower while Δ6 desaturase index was higher in the PE group at 11-14 and 18-22 weeks. Maternal stearoyl CoA desaturase-18 (SCD-18) index was lower at 11-14 weeks and at delivery. These changes were mainly observed in the early onset PE (EOP) group. Δ6 desaturase index at 11-14 weeks predicted the risk of EOP. Imbalance in fatty acid levels and desaturase indices predate the clinical diagnosis of PE, indicating their role in its pathophysiology. Measurement of fatty acids and desaturase indices in early pregnancy merits evaluation as predictors of risk of PE.

Phase II clinical trial with Praneem polyherbal tablets for assessment of their efficacy in symptomatic women with abnormal vaginal discharge (an ICMR task force study).

Abnormal vaginal discharge syndrome (AVDS) is a commonly observed gynaecological complaint for which women seek medical attention. The present study was conducted in six Indian Council of Medical Research centres with Praneem polyherbal tablets (PPT), to determine their efficacy in the treatment of symptomatic women with AVDS. Data are given on 141 subjects investigated. In total, 137 women (97%) reported complete (n=62, 44%) and partial (n=75, 53%) relief from symptoms after use of PPT for seven consecutive days. On speculum examination, 71 (74%) women were confirmed to be cured of AVDS. Microbiological tests could only be conducted microscopically for Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida albicans and bacterial vaginosis. It was observed that all women with T. vaginalis had this infection cured by PPT, and the cure rate was 77% for C. albicans and 68% for bacterial vaginosis. Seventy-eight women (55%) reported a transient burning sensation, mostly on the first 2 d of intake of PPT; however, they continued to use the tablets for the prescribed 7 d. This study lays the basis for an extended Phase II/III clinical trial, preferably randomized and comparing a larger number of women to confirm the safety and efficacy of PPT.