Fetal concentrations of the growth factors TGF-α and TGF-β1 in relation to normal and restricted fetal growth at term

Transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) and TGF-β1 are major anti-inflammatory cytokines and substantially contribute to normal pregnancy outcome. TGF-α stimulates placental mitosis, whereas TGF-β1 is a critical regulator of trophoblast invasion and fetal growth. We aimed to study cord blood TGF-α and TGF-β1 concentrations in intrauterine-growth-restricted (IUGR, usually associated with abnormal trophoblast invasion, uteroplacental vascular insufficiency and enhanced inflammation) and appropriate-for-gestational-age-(AGA) pregnancies, and investigate possible correlations of the above concentrations with several demographic parameters of infants at birth. Plasma TGF-α and TGF-β1 concentrations were determined by ELISA in 154 mixed arterio-venous cord blood samples from IUGR (n = 50) and AGA (n = 104) singleton full-term infants. After controlling for possible confounding factors (gender, birth-weight, gestational age, maternal age and parity), cord blood TGF-α and TGF-β1 concentrations were significantly higher in IUGR than AGA group (b = 0.402, SE = 0.179, p = 0.027 and b = 0.152, SE = 0.061, p = 0.014, respectively). Delivery mode had an effect on cord blood TGF-α and TGF-β1 concentrations, both being elevated in cases of vaginal delivery (b = −0.282, SE = 0.117, p = 0.018 and b = −0.123, SE = 0.059, p = 0.038, respectively). In conclusion, higher cord blood TGF-α and TGF-β1 concentrations may represent a compensatory response to the inflammatory process characterizing the IUGR state. Additionally, higher cord blood TGF-β1 concentrations in IUGRs could be attributed to increased shear stress, resulting from abnormal blood flow in IUGR fetal blood vessels. Finally, vaginal delivery-associated cytokine release may account for elevated TGF-α and TGF-β1 concentrations.

► Cord blood TGF-α and TGF-β1 concentrations are higher in IUGR than AGA group. ► Higher cord blood TGF-α and TGF-β1 in IUGRs may represent a compensatory response to inflammation. ► Higher cord blood TGF-β1 in IUGRs could be attributed to increased shear stress in fetal vessels. ► Vaginal delivery-associated cytokine release may account for elevated TGF-α and TGF-β1.