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Preterm functional outcomes are reflected in early postnatal proteome changes
Magdalena Zasada1, Maciej Suski2,3, Natalia Łapińska4
1Department of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland. magdalena.zasada@uj.edu.pl.
Pediatric Research
|July 17, 2025
Summary
Urinary proteomic analysis reveals significant differences between very-low-gestational-age (VLGA) infants and full-term newborns. These findings highlight the functional consequences of prematurity on immune system development and metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neonatology
- Proteomics
Background:
- Omics technologies enable precise protein abundance analysis.
- Urinary proteomic changes associated with prematurity require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate quantitative changes in the urinary proteome of very-low-gestational-age (VLGA) infants compared to full-term infants.
- To identify specific proteins and pathways affected by prematurity.
Main Methods:
- Urine samples collected from VLGA infants (n=29) and full-term infants (n=19) over the first 8 days of life.
- SWATH-MS analysis of the urine proteome.
- Bioinformatics used for identification of regulated proteins and altered functional pathways.
Main Results:
- Identified 61 significantly differentially abundant proteins in urine.
- Regulated proteins were enriched in immune system, hemostasis, complement, and coagulation pathways, suggesting underdevelopment in VLGA infants.
- Augmented pathways included extracellular matrix organization, cholesterol metabolism, and PPAR signaling.
Conclusions:
- The urinary proteome of VLGA infants differs significantly from term neonates.
- Protein profiles indicate immune system immaturity, altered hemostasis, metabolism, and extracellular matrix metabolism in premature infants.
- Urinary proteome examination in the first week of life reveals functional consequences of prematurity.
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