Apolipoproteins Distribution in the three Trimesters of Pregnancy in Women attending Antenatal Clinic in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: During human pregnancy, apolipoproteins play crucial roles in influencing metabolic adaptations essential for fetal growth and development, significantly impacting maternal health. Objectives: To determine apolipoproteins levels (Apo A-I, Apo A-II, Apo B100) in each trimester of pregnancy in women attending Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved a total of 232 participants recruited using simple random sampling. The participants comprised 58 apparently healthy pregnant women in their first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy each and 58 apparently healthy non-pregnant women as the control group. Apolipoprotein A-I and Apolipoprotein B100 levels were determined using immunoturbidimetric methods. Apolipoprotein A-II level was determined using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The findings showed that Apo A-I levels were significantly higher in the first and second trimesters compared with the control group (P-value = 0.054 and ˂0.001) respectively. The mean level of Apo A-II was significantly lower in the first, second, and third trimesters compared with the control group (P-value = ˂0.001). A significantly lower mean level of Apo A-II was observed in the first trimester compared with the second trimester (P-value = 0.016). The mean levels of Apo B100 were significantly higher in the first, second, and third trimesters compared with the control group (P-value = 0.002, 0.001 and ˂0.001) respectively. Conclusion: This study showed significantly higher serum levels of Apo A-I and Apo B100 with significant reduction in Apo A-II levels in pregnant women, suggesting the need for monitoring during pregnancy.