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Published on: June 29, 2013
Platelet Indices and CXCL12 Levels in Patients with Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Shole Shahgheibi1, Roya Mardani1, Erfan Babaei2
1Deparment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
Insights
Platelet indices and CXCL12 levels are altered in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). This study found lower platelet counts and higher CXCL12 in IUGR patients, suggesting their role in the condition.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Obstetrics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a complex condition with unknown mechanisms.
- Platelet (PLT) indices and CXCL12 may play a role in IUGR pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between platelet indices and serum CXCL12 levels in patients with IUGR.
- To determine if specific platelet parameters differ between IUGR cases and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Compared 36 IUGR patients with 36 healthy pregnant controls (gestational age 24-40 weeks).
- Analyzed platelet indices (PLT count, plateletcrit, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width) using a cell counter.
- Measured serum CXCL12 levels via ELISA and analyzed data using an independent Student's t-test.
Main Results:
- IUGR patients exhibited significantly lower PLT count and plateletcrit compared to controls.
- Mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width were significantly higher in IUGR patients.
- Serum CXCL12 levels were significantly elevated in IUGR patients compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Platelet indices are significantly altered in individuals with IUGR.
- Circulating CXCL12 levels are increased in IUGR patients.
- Findings suggest potential roles for platelet parameters and CXCL12 in IUGR pathophysiology, warranting further investigation.
Background:
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a multifactorial condition, and the precise mechanism is still unknown. In the current study, we aimed to determine the relationship between the platelet (PLT) indices and CXC12 levels in patients with IUGR.
Patients And Materials:
In this study, 36 patients with IUGR and 36 healthy pregnant mothers were enrolled as the case and control groups, respectively. Gestational age for both groups was between 24 and 40 years. Blood samples were taken, and platelet indices were examined by a full-diff cell counter. Serum levels of CXCL12 were measured by ELISA, and the data were analyzed using an independent Student's t-test.
Results:
In this study, we observed that the mean value of PLT count (154.3 ± 50 vs 236 ± 36) and plateletcrit (0.124 ± 0.038 vs 0.178 ± 0.021) were significantly lower in the case than the control group. In contrast, the mean platelet volume (7.94 ± 0.55 vs 7.62 ± 0.53) and platelet distribution width (17.57 ± 0.7 vs 16.96 ± 0.59) were significantly higher in the case than the control group. More importantly, we found that the serum levels of CXCL12 were significantly higher (5.3 ng/mL± 3.1 vs 2.8 ± 1.6) in the patients compared to the pregnancy controls.
Conclusion:
Our data show that platelet indices are changed in IUGR, and the levels of circulating CXCL12 are increased in patients with IUGR. These findings provide a base for further studies to better defining the pathophysiology of IUGR.

