Association of Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor Polymorphisms With Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2018 Apr;66(4):e99-e102. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000001753.

Abstract

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor (HB-EGF) protects the intestines from injury in experimental necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). We hypothesized that polymorphisms in the HB-EGF gene lead to low HB-EGF production in peripheral blood and increased risk of NEC in the Chinese Han population. To test this hypothesis, 30 NEC patients and 80 control subjects were selected. Five HB-EGF single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and its plasma levels were measured by genotyping and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Only 1 out of the 5 SNPs showed a notable result. The notable SNP (rs4912711) was associated with NEC in its minor allele frequency and its "G/T" genotype distribution. In addition, plasma HB-EGF levels were reduced especially the "G/T" genotype in NEC patients. Our data suggest that if validated in larger studies screening for HB-EGF SNPs/genotypes and plasma levels may be useful as a risk factor for NEC in the future.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Asian People / genetics
  • Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / blood
  • Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / genetics*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genotype
  • Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor / blood
  • Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Polymorphism, Genetic

Substances

  • Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor