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Identification of serum biomarkers for necrotizing enterocolitis using aptamer-based proteomics
Stephen Mackay1, Lauren C Frazer1, Grace K Bailey1
1Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
Frontiers in Pediatrics
|June 16, 2023
Summary
Researchers identified novel serum biomarkers for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. Alpha-fetoprotein, glucagon, and IGHA1 IGHA2 show promise for rapid and accurate NEC diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Proteomics
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe intestinal disease in preterm infants.
- Current diagnostic methods for NEC are insufficient, necessitating improved approaches.
- Biomarkers offer potential for faster and more accurate NEC diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel serum protein biomarkers for the early diagnosis of NEC.
- To compare serum protein profiles in neonates with and without NEC.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an aptamer-based proteomic assay for serum protein discovery.
- Analyzed serum samples from neonates with and without NEC.
- Identified differentially expressed proteins using statistical analysis and ROC curves.
Main Results:
- Ten serum proteins were found to be differentially expressed between NEC and non-NEC groups.
- CCL16 and IGHA1 IGHA2 levels were significantly increased in NEC patients.
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AUC=0.926), glucagon (AUC=0.860), and IGHA1 IGHA2 (AUC=0.826) demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusions:
- The identified serum proteins warrant further investigation as potential NEC biomarkers.
- Future diagnostic tests incorporating these biomarkers could enhance early and accurate NEC detection in infants.
