Differences in autophagy marker levels at birth in preterm vs. term infants

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Cellular Biology
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Preterm infants face increased oxidative stress and respiratory risks.
• Autophagy is crucial for cellular defense against oxidative damage and lung development.
• Autophagy's role in preterm infants' respiratory health is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in autophagy marker levels between preterm and term infants.
• To explore the association of autophagy markers with gestational age in newborns.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of the Basel-Bern Infant Lung Development (BILD) cohort.
• Comparison of cord blood levels of macroautophagy (Beclin-1, LC3B), selective autophagy (p62), and autophagy regulation (SIRT1).
• Analysis included 64 preterm and 453 term infants.

Main Results:

• Beclin-1 and LC3B levels did not differ between preterm and term infants.
• Preterm infants showed higher p62 and lower SIRT1 levels in cord blood.
• p62 levels decreased, while SIRT1 levels increased with advancing gestational age.

Conclusions:

• Key autophagy markers exhibit differential levels in preterm versus term infants.
• Findings suggest a link between altered autophagy, impaired oxidative stress response, and lung development in preterm infants.
• This study provides foundational insights into autophagy mechanisms in preterm neonates and their potential association with respiratory morbidity.