Effects of labor on placental fatty acid β oxidation

Abstract

Objective: To measure the effect labor exerts on fatty acid (FA) oxidation in term human placentas, and to compare enzymes expression and activity between placenta and liver. Methods: Placental samples were collected: (a) scheduled non-labored cesarean section and (b) normal vaginal delivery at or beyond 37 weeks. Long and medium-chain FA oxidation were measured using ³H-labeled FA, ATP concentration was measured via commercial kit. Activity and expression levels of 11 FA enzymes were measured and results compared to both human and mouse liver. Results: Placentas undergoing labor had significantly decreased palmitate oxidation and ATP levels. Octanoic acid oxidation was 10-fold higher than palmitic acid oxidation. No difference in expression or activity level was detected between the groups. Conclusion: Term human placentas express all the enzymes required to oxidize FA, at a rate 20-fold lower than liver. FA Oxidation is not likely an important placental energy source during labor. Further work is needed to determine the functionality of this pathway in placenta.

Keywords::

• Fatty acid metabolism
• placental metabolism
• parturition

Acknowledgements

The study was presented at the 32nd annual meeting of the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Dallas, TX February 2012.

Declaration of Interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest.