Serum S100B levels in patients with neural tube defects

BackgroundWe investigated the levels of S100B protein in the serum of patients with neural tube defects (NTD), and the ontogenetic variation on this group of patients.MethodsSamples from 24 control individuals and 25 patients with NTD were studied. S100B protein levels were determined using LIA-mat Sangtec kit.ResultsWe observed no difference between the levels of S100B in NTD patients (median 0.860 μg/l) and control individuals (median 0.580 μg/l). When groups were classified according to age, decreased levels were observed in subjects ≥ 4 y compared to the younger ones, on the control group; no significant difference was observed when the same comparison is performed on the group of patients with NTD.ConclusionsThis study indicates that the serum concentration of S100B in patients with NTD is similar to that of normal individuals; however, patients with NTD do not show the negative correlation with age which was observed on normal individuals.