[Methylation of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 gene in neonates with intrauterine growth restriction].

OBJECTIVE

To study the role of promoter methylation of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

METHODS

Fifty neonates with IUGR and 30 healthy neonates were enrolled. The promoter methylation status of IGFBP3 in peripheral blood was evaluated by methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and high resolution melting (HRM) techniques.

RESULTS

The complete methylation rate, partial methylation rate and non-methylation rate of IGFBP3 promoter in the IUGR group was 4% (2/50), 40% (20/50) and 56% (28/50), respectively. The partial methylation rate and non-methylation rate of IGFBP3 promoter in the control group were 13% (4/30) and 87% (26/30), respectively. There were significant differences in the promoter methylation rate of IGFBP3 between the two groups (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The promoter methylation of IGFBP3 gene is associated with the pathogenesis of IUGR.