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Published on: June 29, 2013
Reduction of IGF-binding protein-3 as a potential marker of intra-uterine growth restriction
Maria Dalva Barbosa Baker Méio1, Maria Elizabeth Lopes Moreira, Rosely Sichieri
1Instituto Fernandes Figueira - Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Nascimento Silva, 111/502 A, Ipanema - Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. mdmeio@centroin.com.br
Insights
Newborns who are small for gestational age (SGA) have lower levels of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) at birth. This finding is important for understanding fetal growth and development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Neonatology
- Growth Factor Biology
Background:
- Growth factor-binding proteins play a crucial role in fetal growth, influencing infant development from the prenatal period.
- Fetal adaptation to adverse intrauterine conditions is linked to alterations in the growth hormone-growth factor-insulin axis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare serum levels of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) in newborns classified as small for gestational age (SGA) versus appropriate for gestational age (AGA).
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 54 newborn infants (28 SGA, 26 AGA) was meticulously matched for gestational age and sex.
- Blood samples were collected on the first postnatal day, with anthropometric measurements taken at birth.
- Serum concentrations of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were quantified and correlated with key anthropometric parameters.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower mean serum IGFBP-3 levels were observed in SGA infants on the first day of life.
- Serum IGFBP-3 levels in SGA newborns demonstrated a strong correlation with birth weight, length, head circumference, and ponderal index.
- No significant associations were found between serum IGF-I levels and the measured anthropometric variables in either group.
Conclusions:
- Newborns who are small for gestational age exhibit significantly reduced concentrations of IGFBP-3 at birth.
- These findings highlight the role of IGFBP-3 in fetal growth assessment and adaptation to the intrauterine environment.
Background:
Growth factor-binding proteins influence the growth of infants starting in utero. Adaptation of the fetus to an adverse uterine environment is associated with changes in the growth hormone-growth factor-insulin axis.
Aims:
To evaluate serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in small and appropriate for gestational age newborn infants.
Methods:
Fifty-four newborn infants, small (SGA, n=28) or appropriate (AGA, n=26) for gestational age were matched by gestational age and sex. Blood was collected on the first day of life, and anthropometric measurements were taken at birth. The serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were compared, and correlated with the anthropometric measurements.
Results:
On the first day of life, mean serum IGFBP-3 levels were significantly lower in SGA babies and correlated with weight, length, head circumference, and ponderal index (weight/length 3) (P<0.0001). In contrast, no associations were found between IGF-I serum levels and these anthropometric measurements.
Conclusion:
Our data show that SGA babies have significantly reduced IGFBP-3 concentrations at birth.
