Concentrations of apolipoproteins E, C2, and C3 and lipid profile in preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: Preeclampsia is associated with an abnormal lipid profile and high apolipoprotein E (Apo E) levels. Apo E may favor lipid uptake by macrophages and is thought to increase triglycerides clearance. However, high Apo E levels may interfere with lipolysis by interacting with the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activator, apolipoprotein C2 (Apo C2). LPL activity may also be impaired by high levels of the LPL inhibitor apolipoprotein C3 (Apo C3). Therefore, lipid profile depends on the balance between the opposing effects of Apo C2 and Apo C3 and on interference due to Apo E. We investigated the involvement of these three lipoproteins in lipid disorders associated with preeclampsia. METHODS: Blood samples were taken from 25 normotensive and 24 preeclamptic pregnant women after a 12-hr fasting period. These samples were analyzed for standard lipid profile and Apo E, C2, C3 concentrations. RESULTS: Concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and LDL cholesterol did not differ significantly between preeclamptic women and pregnant controls. Apo C2 concentration and Apo E/Apo C2 ratio did not differ between the two groups of women but Apo C3 and Apo E concentrations were higher in preeclamptic than in pregnant controls. The ratio of triglycerides to Apo E was similar in the two groups of women. In both groups, triglycerides levels were positively correlated with Apo E (p=0.0429), Apo C2 (p=0.0045) and Apo C3 (p=0.0004) concentrations, but not with Apo E/Apo C2 ratio (p=0.760). CONCLUSIONS: In preeclamptic women, the increase in Apo E concentration may not increase triglycerides clearance because LPL activity seems to be inhibited by high Apo C3 concentration.

Is a polymorphism of the apolipoprotein E gene associated with preeclampsia?

OBJECTIVE: Apolipoprotein E (apo E) is pivotal in lipid metabolism. In women with preeclampsia, an atherogenic state is observed. We hypothesized that a particular genotype of apo E may be associated with preeclampsia. METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from 55 normotensive and 49 preeclamptic women (defined according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists criteria). DNA was amplified by PCR and digested simultaneously by AflIII and HaeII giving profiles identifying all the possible genotypes of apo E. RESULTS: The most common isoform apo E3 was found both for normotensive and preeclamptic women (76% and 85%, respectively). The frequency of apo E2 and E4, which are more atherogenic, was not higher in the preeclamptic population. CONCLUSION: We were unable to demonstrate that the "atherogenic state" of preeclampsia is associated with a particular genotype of apo E. Familial studies show that shared genetic and environmental factors are involved in lipid variability. However, owing to the diversity of factors contributing to the development of preeclampsia (fetal and paternal genotypes), these data do not allow to rule-out a possible contribution of maternal apo E to preeclampsia.

Comparison of day 3 FSH serum values as determined by six different immunoassays.

BACKGROUND: The accurate assessment of FSH concentration is important for evaluating ovarian function prior to IVF. However, a number of different assay techniques are currently in use, leading to inconsistencies in the hormone data being reported. To address this problem, we measured FSH concentration using a number of commercially available systems. METHODS: Day 3 serum FSH levels were measured in 215 healthy fertile women using six different immunoassays: Coatria (125)I (Bio-Mérieux), ACS-180 (Bayer Diagnostics), Advia-Centaur (Bayer Diagnostics), Vitros ECi (Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics), Architect i2000 (Abbott) and Elecsys 2010 (Roche Diagnostics). RESULTS: According to the immunoassay, means +/- SD of FSH concentrations were: 6.5 +/- 2.2 mIU/ml for Coatria (125)I, 6.8 +/- 2.7 mIU/ml for Advia-Centaur, 6.7 +/- 3.0 mIU/ml for Vitros ECi, 7.6 +/- 3.0 mIU/ml for ACS-180, 8.2 +/- 3.3 mIU/ml for Architect i2000 and 8.8 +/- 3.0 mIU/ml for Elecsys 2010. CONCLUSION: Day 3 FSH values determined by six different immunoassays were significantly different (P < 0.01, paired t-test). Physicians must take care when interpreting results from different clinical laboratories.