Going into labor and beyond: phospholipase A2 in pregnancy.

The phospholipase A2 (PLA2) family is a very diverse group of enzymes, all serving in the cleavage of phospholipids, thereby releasing high amounts of arachidonic acid (AA) and lysophospholipids. AA serves as a substrate for prostaglandin production, which is of special importance in pregnancy for the onset of parturition. Novel research demonstrates that PLA2 action affects the immune response of the mother toward the child and is therefore probably implied in the tolerance of the fetus and prevention of miscarriage.

Gestational diabetes mellitus modulates neonatal high-density lipoprotein composition and its functional heterogeneity.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is related to neonatal macrosomia and an increased risk of vascular events. We hypothesized that GDM exerts qualitative effects on neonatal high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL was isolated from control (n=11) and GDM maternal/neonatal donors (n=9) and subjected to shotgun proteomics.

Enzymes involved in hepatic acylglycerol metabolism in the chicken.

In laying hens, massive hepatic mobilization of fatty acids is required for the synthesis of oocyte-targeted very-low density lipoproteins (VLDL). The current study aims at identification of enzymes that hydrolyze hepatic acylglycerol stores regulated in a fashion compatible with supporting enhanced VLDL synthesis. We show that unlike mammals, chickens express adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) also in liver, where it is upregulated by fasting, while the enzyme patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing lipase 3 (PNPLA3) is suppressed.