Research Projects

The present study for the first time indicates several novel findings in mothers delivering low birth weight babies 1). Reduced folate levels and increased homocysteine levels 2). Reduced maternal and placental omega 3 fatty acid (ALA and DHA) levels, 3). increased FABP3 protein levels. This study also reports a positive association between positive association between maternal vitamin B levels and placental mRNA as we as protein levels of desaturases while maternal plasma homocysteine levels were inverse association with desaturases and transport proteins in the placenta. Further the positive association of maternal micronutrients with maternal and placental fatty acids and negative association of homocysteine with placental mRNA levels of A5 desaturase, transport protein (FATP and FATP4) and binding protein (FABPI and FABP3) suggests that disturbed one carbon metabolism affects fatty acid metabolism in placenta.