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Concentration of twelve plasma proteins at birth in very low birthweight and in term infants
S K Polberger1, G Fex, N C Räihä
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Lund, Malmö General Hospital, Sweden.
Insights
Plasma protein levels in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants differ significantly from term infants, with lower levels of key proteins and higher alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Vitamin D-binding protein may act as an acute phase protein in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Research
Background:
- Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants represent a vulnerable population with unique physiological challenges.
- Understanding plasma protein profiles in VLBW infants is crucial for assessing their health status and developmental trajectory.
- Term infant plasma protein concentrations serve as a reference for comparison.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare plasma protein concentrations between VLBW and term infants at birth.
- To investigate the influence of factors like birth asphyxia, sex, and gestational age on these protein levels.
- To explore the potential role of vitamin D-binding protein as an acute phase reactant in newborns.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of plasma samples from 70 VLBW infants (24-34 weeks gestational age) and 20 term infants.
- Quantification of 12 specific plasma proteins including albumin, transthyretin (TTR), retinol-binding protein (RBP), and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).
- Statistical comparison of protein concentrations between VLBW and term infant groups, considering SGA and AGA subgroups.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower concentrations of albumin, TTR, RBP, vitamin D-binding protein, apolipoprotein A I, fibronectin, orosomucoid, and alpha 1-antichymotrypsin were observed in VLBW infants.
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels were significantly higher in VLBW infants compared to term infants.
- Apolipoprotein A I and A II were lower in small-for-gestational age (SGA) VLBW infants versus appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) VLBW infants. No differences were found for apolipoprotein A II, apolipoprotein B, and transferrin.
- Elevated orosomucoid or alpha 1-antichymotrypsin (indicators of inflammation) correlated with higher vitamin D-binding protein levels in both VLBW and term infants.
Conclusions:
- Plasma protein profiles are distinct in VLBW infants at birth, indicating altered physiological states.
- Vitamin D-binding protein exhibits characteristics of an acute phase protein in newborn infants, potentially responding to inflammation.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the clinical implications of these protein level differences in VLBW infants.
Abstract:
Plasma samples obtained at birth from 70 very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (gestational age 24 to 34 weeks) and from 20 term infants were analysed for concentrations of 12 different proteins. The plasma concentrations of albumin, transthyretin (TTR), retinol-binding protein (RBP), vitamin D-binding protein, apolipoprotein A I, fibronectin, orosomucoid and alpha 1-antichymotrypsin were significantly lower in the VLBW infants than in the term infants, whereas the values of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were significantly higher in the VLBW infants. No differences were found between the two groups for apolipoprotein A II, apolipoprotein B and transferrin. Birth asphyxia and sex had no influence on the measured plasma protein concentrations. The plasma concentrations of apolipoprotein A I and A II were significantly lower in small-for-gestational age (SGA), VLBW infants compared with appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA), VLBW infants. Possible acute inflammation (defined as raised concentrations of orosomucoid or alpha 1-antichymotrypsin) was associated with significantly higher values of vitamin D-binding protein in both VLBW and term infants, suggesting that this protein may act as an acute phase protein in newborn infants.