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 (236.4-360.2), 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=-0.39, 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.