Transthyretin and retinol-binding protein 4 in patients with fetal growth restriction

Abstract

Transthyretin and retinol-binding protein 4 in patients with fetal growth restriction Yajing Zhu * , Hongmei Ma * , Wei Ma Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing (China) Summary The goal of this study was to analyze the relationship between maternal serum levels of transthyretin (TTR), retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), and the birth weight in fetal growth restriction (FGR). Materials and Methods: Retrospective case control study including 30 FGR patients and 30 normal healthy pregnancies with the same week of gestation. Serum concentrations of TTR and BRP4 were assessed by ELISA; placenta concentration of TTR and RBP4 by Immunohistochemical method. Results: FGR patients were characterized by reduced TTR compared to controls .The concentration of TTR in FGR was 4.05 ± 0.32 ng/ml and control was 5.20 ± 0.27 ng/ml (p < 0.05); however, RBP4 remained unchanged in two groups (FGR vs. controls RBP4 35.36 ± 2.15 ng/ml vs. 35.09 ± 1.58 ng/ml, p > 0.05). The expression of TTR had a positive correlation with the birth weight in FGR (r = 0.620, p < 0.05). Placenta of FGR showed a strong staining for TTR, while control was only weak by using immunohistochemistry. The expression of RBP4 was poor in FGR and control. Conclusions: The higher the maternal plasma in TTR, the better the fetal development. TTR may be the marker to diagnose FGR and forecast the sequelae of the fetus. Key words: Fetal growth restriction; Transthyretin; Retinol blinding protein; Birth weight