Metabolomics revealed decreased level of omega‐3 PUFA‐derived protective eicosanoids in pregnant women with pre‐eclampsia

Abstract Pre‐eclampsia ( PE ) is considered a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in pregnant women worldwide. Eicosanoids derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids ( PUFA s) might play an important role in the occurrence and development of PE . Omega‐3 PUFA s are nutrients that are popular supplements for pregnant women and can reduce blood pressure. However, the levels of eicosanoids derived from omega‐3 PUFA s in women with PE is not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the eicosanoid metabolic signature of PE . We performed a case–control study using data for pregnant women (n = 10) with PE and normotensive pregnant women (n = 10). We investigated the difference in eicosanoid profile between the groups by LC ‐ MS / MS ‐based metabolomics. The plasma levels of arachidonic acid metabolites and some of the lipoxygenase metabolites of eicosapentaenoic acid ( EPA ) and docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA ) showed an increasing trend, and those of the cytochrome P450 metabolites of EPA and DHA were decreased in women with PE . Levels of leukotriene B4, 14,15‐dihydroxy‐eicosatetraenoate, 16‐hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid and 8,9‐epoxy eicosatetraenoic acid were significantly correlated with PE occurrence. These eicosanoids might take part in the progression of PE in pregnant women.