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Proteomic Analysis of RBP4/Vitamin A in Children with Cleft Lip and/or Palate
1The Department of Orthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China.
Insights
This study found lower levels of retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) and vitamin A in children with non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCLP). Early vitamin A supplementation may be beneficial for these infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric proteomics
- Congenital craniofacial defect research
- Nutritional biochemistry
Background:
- Non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCLP) is a common congenital defect with multifactorial causes.
- Limited research exists on the post-natal developmental and metabolic status of infants with NSCLP.
- Understanding metabolic differences can inform early intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differential serum protein expression in children with NSCLP compared to unaffected controls.
- To identify specific proteins and metabolic pathways associated with NSCLP.
- To evaluate the potential role of vitamin A metabolism in NSCLP.
Main Methods:
- Shotgun proteomics was employed to analyze plasma proteomes of 13 NSCLP children and 10 controls (aged 2-3.5 years).
- Over 300 serum proteins were identified and analyzed using gene ontology (GO) analysis.
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to measure serum vitamin A levels.
Main Results:
- Proteomic analysis revealed differentially expressed proteins in NSCLP, particularly those involved in retinol transport.
- Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) levels were significantly decreased in the NSCLP group.
- Serum vitamin A concentrations were also significantly lower in children with NSCLP, correlating with RBP4 levels.
Conclusions:
- Reduced levels of RBP4 and vitamin A are associated with NSCLP and warrant further attention.
- These findings suggest a potential link between vitamin A deficiency and NSCLP development.
- Early vitamin A supplementation may be a necessary intervention for infants with NSCLP.
Abstract:
Cleft of the lip and/or palate (CLP) is one of the most common congenital craniofacial defects. Non-syndromic CLP (NSCLP) is a multifactorial disease influenced by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. However, there are few studies reporting on the developmental or metabolic status of babies with NSCLP after birth. In our study, we sought to identify and evaluate the differential expression of serum protein profiles in NSCLP children and unaffected babies. Thus, a 'shotgun proteomics' approach was first used to analyze the plasma proteome of 13 children with NSCLP and 10 control children, aged 2 to 3.5 years. In total, more than 300 proteins were identified in the serum sample. With gene ontology (GO) analysis, we detected many differentially expressed proteins that could be related to NSCLP, including those involved in lipoprotein metabolism, insulin-like growth-factor-related processes, and so on, especially the proteins involved in retinol transport. Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), one protein of the retinol transport category, was significantly decreased in the NSCLP group. Thus, serum vitamin A levels were further determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A significant difference (p < .01) was also found in vitamin A concentrations, consistent with the trend of RBP4. Our results indicated that reduced levels of RBP4 and vitamin A were related to newborns with NSCLP and should thus receive more attention. These results also suggest that vitamin A supplementation might be necessary at an early stage.
