This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Marginal biotin deficiency is quite teratogenic in some animal species. In humans, we have found that about one-third of women become marginally biotin deficient during pregnancy based on certain chemical indicators of biotin status. This proposal seeks to confirm a recently validated blood-based indicator of biotin status, activity of the biotin-dependent enzyme propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC), and to examine other potential indicators of biotin status during pregnancy.
The specific aim of this proposal is as follows:
Specific Aim #1 - To test the hypothesis that a significant number of women will develop marginal biotin deficiency during normal human gestation. Biotin status will be assessed in a cross-sectional study design using lymphocyte PCC activity and activation of PCC by biotin as the primary outcome variables. Secondary outcome variables examined will include urinary excretion of biotin, urinary excretion of 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid (3HIA), urinary concentration of prostaglandins, red blood cell fatty acid accumulation, and plasma odd-chain fatty acid accumulation. Successful completion of this study and its specific aims will elucidate biotin nutrition in pregnancy and serve as a pilot study that will form the basis of an extramural grant application to further study this important question.
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