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Positive relationship of cortisol concentrations and oral nutrition to epidermal growth factor concentrations in
S M Scott1, K Watterberg, C Rogers
1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of New Mexico, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, USA.
Insights
Cortisol hormone levels in newborns are linked to epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations. Higher cortisol levels in preterm infants correlate with increased EGF, suggesting cortisol
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Endocrinology
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Previous studies suggest a link between early neonatal epidermal growth factor (EGF) and glucocorticoid hormone levels.
- Glucocorticoids are crucial for neonatal development and physiological regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cortisol and epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations in preterm infants.
- To determine if cortisol influences EGF levels in the early neonatal period.
Main Methods:
- Matched values of cortisol and EGF were analyzed in 193 preterm infants on days 2 and 6 postpartum.
- Statistical analysis was performed to assess the relationship between hormone concentrations, gestational age, and nutrition.
Main Results:
- Gestational age positively affected EGF concentrations in infants receiving oral nutrition.
- A positive relationship was observed between nutrition and cortisol concentration.
- Cortisol concentration was significantly (p = 0.01) related to EGF values, with higher cortisol correlating with higher EGF.
Conclusions:
- The findings support a role for cortisol in regulating epidermal growth factor (EGF) patterns during the neonatal period.
- Cortisol may be a key factor in the physiological control of EGF in newborns.
- These results contribute to understanding neonatal endocrine-growth factor interactions.
Abstract:
We have suggested from previous studies that increases in early neonatal epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations were dependent on adequate glucocorticoid hormone concentrations. In order to examine this relationship, matched values for cortisol and EGF in 193 preterm infants on days 2 and 6 were compared. Gestational age had a significant positive effect on EGF concentrations for those infants receiving oral nutrition and there was also a positive relationship between nutrition and cortisol concentration. Cortisol was then used as an independent factor and was significantly (p = 0. 01) related to EGF values such that as cortisol concentrations increased, EGF values also increased. In summary, we suggest that these results are consistent with a role for cortisol in the control of the EGF pattern in the newborn period.