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Published on: June 29, 2013
Association of Fetal Growth Retardation with Postnatal Osteoprotegerin Concentrations and Aortic Intima-Media
Ageliki A Karatza1, Eirini Kostopoulou1, Sotirios Fouzas1
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Patras Medical School, 26504 Patras, Greece.
Insights
Fetal Growth Retardation (FGR) is linked to higher Osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels and increased aortic intima-media thickness (aIMT) in newborns. These findings suggest a potential early marker for future cardiovascular risk in FGR infants.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Neonatal Studies
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Fetal Growth Retardation (FGR) is a known risk factor for adult atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.
- Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is implicated in the development of atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if FGR impacts postnatal OPG serum concentrations.
- To explore the association between OPG levels and aortic intima-media thickness (aIMT) as a marker of preclinical atherosclerosis in infants.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 30 infants with FGR and 30 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants.
- Quantitative determination of plasma OPG via enzyme immunoassay on days 2 (DOL2) and 5 (DOL5) of life.
- Measurement of aortic intima-media thickness (aIMT) in the distal abdominal aorta.
Main Results:
- Infants with FGR exhibited significantly higher OPG levels on both DOL2 and DOL5 compared to controls.
- FGR was associated with increased aIMT in newborns.
- A positive correlation was observed between OPG levels and aIMT, strengthening by DOL5.
Conclusions:
- Significantly elevated OPG concentrations and a positive correlation with aIMT are reported in infants with FGR.
- Further follow-up studies are warranted to determine if these early findings indicate a permanent effect of FGR on offspring cardiovascular health.
Background:
Fetal Growth Retardation (FGR) is considered a risk factor for atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease in adulthood. Osteoprotegerin (OPG), a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, is reported to be elevated in atherosclerosis.
Objectives:
In this case-control study, we investigated whether FGR affects postnatal OPG serum concentrations and the possible association between OPG levels and aortic intima-media thickness (aIMT), an index of preclinical atherosclerosis.
Methods:
We studied 30 infants with FGR and 30 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants matched for gestational age and sex. Quantitative determination of plasma OPG was performed via enzyme immunoassay on the second (DOL2) and fifth (DOL5) day of life. aIMT was measured in the distal abdominal aorta and adjusted for aortic lumen diameter.
Results:
Infants with FGR had significantly higher OPG levels on both DOL2 and DOL5 as compared to controls (DOL2: 5.4 ± 1.0 pmol/L vs. 4.6 ± 1.0 pmol/L, p = 0.002 and DOL5: 5.1 ± 0.8 pmol/L vs. 3.9 ± 0.7 pmol/L, p < 0.001). Between DOL2 and DOL5, OPG concentrations did not change significantly in infants with FGR (difference 0.3 ± 0.2 pmol/L, p = 0.087) but decreased slightly in controls (difference 0.7 ± 0.3 pmol/L, p = 0.003). FGR was also associated with increased aIMT (0.11 ± 0.03 vs. 0.06 ± 0.02, p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between OPG and aIMT on DOL2 (r = 0.494, p < 0.001), which became stronger on DOL5 (r = 0.791, p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
We report significantly increased concentrations of OPG in infants with FGR and a positive correlation with aIMT. Follow-up studies with repeat OPG and aIMT measurements may be indicated to evaluate whether these findings represent a permanent effect of FGR on the offspring.
