Open AccessAssociation of Heparin‐binding EGF‐like Growth Factor Polymorphisms With Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants
Author(s) -
Ma Fei,
Li Sitao,
Hao Hu,
Gao Pingmin,
Dai Yiheng,
Himani Chhetri,
Liu Weidong,
Gao Xiaoyan,
Xiao Xin
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1536-4801
pISSN - 0277-2116
DOI - 10.1097/mpg.0000000000001753
Subject(s) - medicine , necrotizing enterocolitis , heparin binding egf like growth factor , heparin , epidermal growth factor , enterocolitis , gastroenterology , receptor
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.