C1q and tumor necrosis factor-related protein 3 is present in human cord blood and is associated with fetal growth

Background: To determine the presence of C1q and tumor necrosis factor-related protein 3 (CTRP3) in cord blood and its relationship with fetal growth among Chinese newborns. Methods: This pilot study recruited 126 infants (small for gestational age [SGA], n = 34; appropriate for gestational age [AGA], n = 60; large for gestational age [LGA], n = 32); cord blood CTRP3 levels were measured, and fetal growth parameters were collected. Results: Median (25-75th percentile) CTRP3 levels in the SGA, AGA, and LGA groups were 297.2 (236.4-3602), 297.5 (261.0-369.9), and 368.6 (298.5-507.1) ng/ml, respectively (P = 0.01). LGA infants had higher CTRP3 levels than AGA infants (multiple linear regression analysis; P = 0.01). The CTRP3 levels were positively correlated with birth weight (r = 0.25, P < 0.01), Ponderal index (r = 0.28, P < 0.01), and placental weight (r = 0.20, P = 0.03) in the total study population. In the subgroup analysis, CTRP3 levels were negatively correlated with birth length z scores (r = 039, P = 0.03) and were positively correlated with the Ponderal index (r = 0.43, P = 0.02) only in the SGA group; no other significant correlations were observed. The CTRP3 levels were similar between the sexes (P = NS). Conclusions: CTRP3 is present in cord blood and might be involved in fetal growth. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.