Molecular Biomarkers & Diagnosis

Neutrophil-Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin 2, Krebs Von den Lungen-6, Beta 2 Microglobulin, and Adiponectin: Crosstalk in Early Prediction of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Egyptian Preterm

Abstract

Nema A Soliman, Walaa A Keshk and Mohammed Sh. El-Farargy

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a respiratory distress syndrome caused by chronic lung parenchymal injury, occurring primarily in preterm infants. Therefore, research for early biomarkers for BPD is really important. This study was conducted to evaluate levels of Krebs Von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) and adiponectin in cord blood, neutrophil-gelatinase-associated lipocalin 2 (NGAL2) mRNA gene expression in broncho-alveolar lavage and urinary beta 2 microglobulin (β2MG) for early prediction of lung injury or possible involvement of those molecules in BPD pathogenesis and development.

Method: this study was carried out from September 2012 to December 2013 with 58 preterm neonates of gestational age ≤32 weeks. KL-6, adiponectin and urinary β2MG levels by immunoassay, NGAL2 mRNA level by real-time PCR were determined.

Results: cord blood KL-6, urinary β2MG and broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid NGAL2 mRNA expression levels were significantly increased, while a non-significant decrease in cord blood adiponectin level in BPD preterm relative to preterm without BPD were observed, with the best sensitivity and specificity were for KL-6 and β2MG relative to preterm without BPD.

Conclusion: NGAL2, KL-6, and urinary β2MG may have role in early prediction and development of BPD in preterm neonates that may help in early prevention and treatment for better prognosis and outcome.

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