Cord blood galectin-1 and -3 concentrations in term pregnancies with normal restricted and increased fetal growth

Abstract

AbstractTo determine levels of galectins (gal)-1 and -3 (implicated in angiogenesis/immunologic mechanisms) in intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR), large (LGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) pregnancies, as these groups differ in fat mass, angiogenic patterns and immune responses.Cord-blood (UC) gal-1 and -3 concentrations were measured in 30 IUGR, 30 LGA and 20 AGA singleton full-term infants and their mothers (MS).IUGR, LGA and AGA groups did not differ in gal-1 and -3 concentrations. UC gal-1 levels were lower when mothers were older [b=–0.651, CI 95% –1.186 (–0.116), P=0.018] and UC gal-3 levels were increased when mothers presented gestational diabetes [b=9.836, CI 95% 3.833- (15.839), P=0.002].In IUGRs MS gal-3 and in LGAs UC gal-1 were decreased in multiparas [b=–5.372, CI 95% -9.584- (–1.161), P=0.014], and [b=–7.540, CI 95% -14.606- (–0.473), P=0.037], respectively.No correlations were found between MS or UC gal-1 and gal-3 concentrations.Lower UC gal-1 levels, when mothers were older, and increased UC gal-3 levels in cases of gestational diabetes, possibly reflect angiogenic activity. In multiparas, decreased MS gal-3 and UC gal-1 levels in IUGR/LGA, respectively, might imply inflammatory response against immunosuppression expected in subsequent pregnancies, as compared to the first one.