ABSTRACT
Polyunsaturated fatty acids play an important yet poorly understood role in pregnancy
complications. We are interested in the effects of aspirin therapy on the metabolism
of these compounds. To determine the effects of low-dose aspirin on plasma levels
of polyunsaturated fatty acid precursors, we assayed linoleic, linolenic, arachidonic,
eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids using high-performance liquid chromatography.
Seventeen pregnant women being treated with aspirin therapy (81 mg/day) were evaluated
between 9 and 37 weeks' gestation. Blood was drawn before initiation of aspirin therapy
and after 3 or 4 days, and again after 3 or 4 weeks of therapy. We found no significant
change in the plasma levels of fatty acids during aspirin therapy at either 3 or 4
days or 3 or 4 weeks compared with baseline. In this group of women with preexisting
disease, low-dose aspirin does not appear to change the plasma levels of polyunsaturated
fatty acid precursors of eicosanoids. Data on pregnant women without hypertensive
disorders is needed to help in understanding the role and physiology of these important
compounds.
Keywords
Aspirin - polyunsaturated fatty acids - pregnancy - preeclampsia
