Determination of the age-related changes of serum basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) level in healthy Japanese...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pediatrics
• Clinical Chemistry

Background:

• Serum basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a crucial protein involved in cell growth and repair.
• Establishing reliable reference values for bFGF is essential for clinical diagnostics, particularly in pediatric cases.
• Previous studies have not comprehensively defined age-specific reference ranges for bFGF in healthy populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the serum bFGF levels in healthy Japanese individuals to establish reference values.
• To compare serum bFGF levels between children and adults.
• To validate the clinical utility of established bFGF reference values in a pediatric patient with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).

Main Methods:

• Serum samples from healthy Japanese individuals (children and adults) were analyzed using a specific human bFGF ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay).
• Statistical analyses were performed to compare bFGF levels between age groups and to determine reference ranges.
• Serum bFGF levels of a pediatric patient with diarrhea-positive (D+) HUS were measured and compared to healthy controls.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in serum bFGF levels were observed between healthy children and adults.
• The reference value range for serum bFGF was broader in children compared to adults.
• The pediatric HUS patient exhibited markedly elevated serum bFGF levels from the onset of the condition compared to healthy children.

Conclusions:

• Established reference values for serum bFGF in healthy Japanese individuals are now available.
• Age-matched controls are recommended for accurate evaluation of patient serum bFGF levels.
• The study highlights the potential of serum bFGF levels as a biomarker for distinguishing normal physiological states from pathological conditions like pediatric HUS.