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Published on: January 28, 2013

The positive correlation between cord serum retinol-binding protein 4 concentrations and fetal growth

Te-Fu Chan1, Yung-Chieh Tsai, Chen-Hsuan Wu

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.

Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation
|June 17, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Cord serum retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) levels were higher in larger fetuses. Higher RBP4 concentrations correlate with fetal birth weight, suggesting RBP4 may regulate fetal growth.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Research
  • Perinatal Medicine

Background:

  • Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) is linked to insulin resistance and fatty acid metabolism.
  • The role of RBP4 in fetal growth remains largely unexplored.
  • RBP4 may serve as a fetal growth marker independent of insulin levels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between cord serum RBP4 and fetal growth.
  • To determine if cord serum RBP4 can predict fetal birth weight.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 42 women and their fetuses.
  • Fetuses were categorized into top (>75th percentile) and bottom (<25th percentile) quartiles of birth weight for gestational age.
  • Serum RBP4 and insulin levels were measured in cord blood.

Main Results:

  • Cord serum RBP4 and insulin concentrations were significantly higher in the top quartile birth weight group compared to the bottom quartile group.
  • Cord serum RBP4 and insulin levels, along with gestational age, showed a significant positive correlation with fetal birth weight.
  • RBP4 levels were 14.3 ± 3.7 ng/ml in the high birth weight group versus 11.3 ± 2.6 ng/ml in the low birth weight group.

Conclusions:

  • Cord serum RBP4 concentrations are elevated in fetuses with higher birth weights.
  • RBP4 levels are significantly correlated with fetal birth weight, suggesting a potential regulatory role in fetal development.
  • Cord serum RBP4 may serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing fetal growth and potential growth abnormalities.
Abstract

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