ABSTRACT:
Introduction: The following study has discussed the Maternal polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), mainly the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to arachidonic acid (AA) ratio, that plays a critical role in fetal growth and gestational well-being. Imbalances in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can influence inflammatory paths and sleep quality, which are important causes of gestational length and pregnancy results. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanistic paths connecting maternal PUFA status with gestational length, focusing on the mediating effects of inflammation and sleep quality. Method: This cross-sectional observational study involved 100 pregnant women, grouped by their RBC DHA:AA ratios into High PUFA (=4.0) and Low PUFA (<4.0) categories. Informationwascomposed during the 2nd trimester and included demographic, clinical, and biochemical characteristics. Sleep quality, depressive symptoms, inflammatory markers, and gestational outcomes were analysed using statistical methods to identify associations between PUFA levels and maternal health indicators. Results: The results revealed significant differencesbetween the High PUFA and Low PUFA groups in pre-pregnancy BMI (p < 0.001), sleep quality (PSQI: p < 0.001), and inflammatory markers such as CRP (p < 0.001). Significant correlations were observed between RBC DHA:AA ratios and IL-8 (r = -0.7991, p < 0.0001), PSQI scores (r = -0.4902, p < 0.0001), and gestational length (r = 0.5961, p < 0.0001), indicating positive effects of higher DHA:AA ratios. Conclusion: This study concluded that the optimizing maternal PUFA profiles that increase the DHA intake can positively affect pregnancy results by mitigating inflammation, enhancing sleep quality, and extending gestational length.
Cite this article:
Ligang Shan, Suriyakala Perumal Chandran. Mechanistic Pathways Linking Maternal PUFA Status with Gestational Length: The Mediating Roles of Inflammation and Sleep Quality. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(1):160-8. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00025
Cite(Electronic):
Ligang Shan, Suriyakala Perumal Chandran. Mechanistic Pathways Linking Maternal PUFA Status with Gestational Length: The Mediating Roles of Inflammation and Sleep Quality. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(1):160-8. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00025 Available on: https://www.rjptonline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-19-1-25
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