Cord Blood Levels of Angiopoietin-Like 7 (ANGPTL7) in Preterm Infants

ANGPTL7 is a member of the angiogenin-like protein family. Compared to other members, ANGPTL7 is the least known. Recent studies have explored the relationship between ANGPTL7 and multiple pathological processes and diseases. However, there is no research about ANGPTL7 in neonates. This study was designed to investigate the concentration of ANGPTL7 in cord blood of preterm infants.

Singleton infants born in November 2017 to June 2019 in the study hospital were enrolled in the study. Maternal and neonatal clinical data were collected. ANGPTL7 levels in cord blood and serum on the third day after birth were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

A total of 182 infants were enrolled in this study. Patients were categorized into two groups by gestational age (102 preterm, 80 full-term). ANGPTL7 levels in preterm infants were significantly higher than that in full-term babies (t = 15.4, P < 0.001). In multiple line regression analysis, ANGPTL7 levels independently correlated with gestational age (β = -0.556, P < 0.001). There is also no correlation between preterm outcomes and ANGPTL7 levels. Cord blood levels of ANGPTL7 were significantly higher than those in serum on the third day after birth (t = 13.88, P < 0.001).

Cord blood ANGPTL7 levels are higher in preterm infants than full-term babies. The levels are independently influenced by gestational ages and attenuated significantly after birth. The underlying mechanism needs to be further studied.