Reduction of IGF-binding protein-3 as a potential marker of intra-uterine growth restriction.
BACKGROUND
Growth factor-binding proteins influence the growth of infants starting in utero. Adaptation of the fetus to an adverse uterine environment is associated with changes in the growth hormone-growth factor-insulin axis.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in small and appropriate for gestational age newborn infants.


METHODS
Fifty-four newborn infants, small (SGA, n=28) or appropriate (AGA, n=26) for gestational age were matched by gestational age and sex. Blood was collected on the first day of life, and anthropometric measurements were taken at birth. The serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were compared, and correlated with the anthropometric measurements.


RESULTS
On the first day of life, mean serum IGFBP-3 levels were significantly lower in SGA babies and correlated with weight, length, head circumference, and ponderal index (weight/length 3) (P<0.0001). In contrast, no associations were found between IGF-I serum levels and these anthropometric measurements.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data show that SGA babies have significantly reduced IGFBP-3 concentrations at birth.
Baker Méio
Maria Dalva Barbosa
MD
Instituto Fernandes Figueira - Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Nascimento Silva, 111/502 A, Ipanema - Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. mdmeio@centroin.com.br
Lopes Moreira
Maria Elizabeth
ME
Sichieri
Rosely
R
Moura
Aníbal Sanchez
AS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001724:Birth Weight; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000097:blood*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007236:Infant, Small for Gestational Age / Q000097:blood*; D018972:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3; D018969:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins / Q000097:blood*; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D055815:Young Adult
D015415:Biomarkers; C515497:IGFBP3 protein, human; D018972:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3; D018969:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I