Objective: To evaluate the significance of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the development of fetal growth retardation (IUGR).
Methods: EGF concentrations in amniotic fluid, maternal and fetal blood from 86 pregnant women in the third-trimester were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). These subjects were divided into control, large-for gestational age (LGA) group and IUGR group according to neonatal birth weights. EGF concentrations in blood samples taken from umbilical vein and artery of 11 controls were also analyzed.
Results: No significant differences of EGF concentrations existed in amniotic fluid, maternal and fetal blood between control and LGA group (P > 0.2 for all). Compared to the control, EGF concentration of IUGR group in amniotic fluid decreased but those in maternal and fetal blood increased significantly (P < 0.05 for all). EGF concentration of cord serum in IUGR group was significantly higher than that in LGA group (P < 0.05), but no differences of EGF levels in amniotic fluid and maternal blood existed between the two groups (P > 0.05, for all). EGF in blood samples taken from umbilical vein and artery were at the same level (P > 0.1).
Conclusions: EGF in amniotic fluid, maternal and fetal blood may originate from different sources, and EGF may play a role in the development of IUGR.