Effect of L-arginine on the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in the placenta of fetal growth restriction.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of l-arginine on fetal growth restriction (FGR) in terms of the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in placenta.


METHODS
Sixty pregnant women with FGR were randomized to receive conventional treatment alone (control group, n = 30) or in combination with L-arginine (L-arginine group, n = 30). The parameters of fetal growth and development were monitored by B-ultrasound at regular intervals. The newborn birth weight and perinatal outcomes were also documented. Placental tissue was sampled within 10 min after delivery for analysis. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in placental tissue was determined by immunohistochemical technique.


RESULTS
The fetal growth parameters of biparietal diameter, femur length, and abdominal circumference increased more significantly in L-arginine group than those in control group (p < 0.01). The cure rate and birth weight in L-arginine group were higher than those in control group (73.3% vs. 43.3%, 2455.20 g vs. 2402.63 g, respectively). The incidence of small for gestational age newborns in l-arginine group was significantly lower than that in control group. Compared with L-arginine group, the Bax expression increased, but bcl-2 expression decreased in control group.


CONCLUSIONS
L-arginine could reduce the expression of Bax, and enhance the expression of bcl-2, which may be associated with reduced placental apoptosis and improved placental function and fetal development.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Third Hospital Affiliated to Xinxiang Medical College, Xinxiang 453103, Henan Province, China. shensufang@xxmu.edu.cn
Su-Fang
SF
Shen
Cai-Hong
CH
Hua
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D001120:Arginine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001724:Birth Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development / Q000187:drug effects; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000378:metabolism*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010920:Placenta / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome / Q000453:epidemiology; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein / Q000378:metabolism*
D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein; D001120:Arginine