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Amniotic fluid ferritin as a marker of intestinal damage in gastroschisis: a time course experimental study
Meltem Cağlar1, Gülce Hakgüder, Oğuz Ateş
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dokuz Eylül University, Medical School, 35340 Izmir, Turkey.
Insights
Ferritin levels in amniotic fluid may indicate intestinal damage in gastroschisis. Increased ferritin suggests inflammation, potentially aiding in early detection of gastroschisis-related intestinal damage.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Intestinal damage (ID) is a significant factor in gastroschisis-related morbidity and mortality.
- Identifying early indicators of intestinal damage is crucial for improving outcomes in gastroschisis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify intraamniotic substances that correlate with intestinal damage in gastroschisis.
- To determine the temporal profile of these substances to pinpoint the onset of intestinal damage.
Main Methods:
- Fertilized chick eggs were used, with gastroschisis simulated in a experimental group.
- Amnioallantoic fluid was collected from day 13 to 19, and intestines were harvested for evaluation.
- Levels of interleukin-8, ferritin, alkaline phosphatase, and amylase were measured; serosal thickness was assessed.
Main Results:
- Interleukin-8, alkaline phosphatase, and amylase increased in both control and gastroschisis groups.
- Ferritin levels, indicative of inflammation, were elevated only in the gastroschisis group.
- Gastroschisis group intestines showed increased serosal thickness, particularly after day 16.
Conclusions:
- Elevated amnioallantoic fluid ferritin shows potential as a biomarker for intestinal damage in gastroschisis.
- Further research is needed to validate ferritin as a reliable marker for early detection and management.
Background/Purpose:
Intestinal damage (ID) is closely related to morbidity and mortality in gastroschisis. This study was performed to determine the intraamniotic substances that may correlate ID and also to verify their time course levels that would be useful for determining when ID starts in gastroschisis.
Methods:
In this study, 13-day-old fertilized chick eggs were used. The amnioallantoic membrane was perforated to create amnioallantoic cavity in all embryos. Gastroschisis was created in gastroschisis group to simulate human gastroschisis. Amnioallantoic fluid samples were collected from the embryos on the 13th to 19th gestational days, and the intestines of each group were harvested for evaluation. Amnioallantoic levels of interleukin-8, ferritin, alkaline phosphatase, and amylase were measured. Serosal thickness of the intestines in each group was evaluated.
Results:
Increasing amnioallantoic fluid levels of interleukin-8, alkaline phosphatase, and amylase were found in both groups. In contrast to control group, ferritin levels, as a sign of inflammation, were found increased only in gastroschisis group. Histopathologic examination of intestines in the gastroschisis group showed a significant increase in the serosal thickness especially after the 16th day.
Conclusion:
Increases in amnioallantoic fluid levels of ferritin show promise as a marker for determining ID encountered in gastroschisis but warrant further investigation.
