Objective: To investigate bone and connective tissue collagen turnover in intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) pregnancies, by determining circulating markers of type I collagen synthesis (carboxy-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen [PICP], representing bone formation) and degradation (cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen [ICTP], representing bone resorption) as well as type III collagen synthesis (N-terminal propeptide of type-III procollagen [PIIINP], reflecting growth and tissue maturity).
Methods: Plasma PICP, ICTP and PIIINP concentrations were measured in 40 mothers and their 20 asymmetric IUGR and 20 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) full-term fetuses and neonates on postnatal day 1-(N1) and 4-(N4).
Results: Fetal PICP, fetal and N4 ICTP, as well as fetal, N1 and N4 PIIINP concentrations were higher in the IUGR group (p ≤ 0.038, in all cases). In both groups, maternal PICP, ICTP and PIIINP concentrations were lower than fetal, N1 and N4 ones (p<0.001, in each case).
Conclusions: Type I collagen turnover is enhanced in IUGR than AGA fetuses/neonates. Similarly, fetal/neonatal PIIINP concentrations are elevated in IUGR, probably due to stress, responsible for induction of tissue maturation, and/or to impaired excretory renal function, leading to reduced protein clearance. Fetal/neonatal PICP, ICTP and PIIINP concentrations are higher than maternal concentrations, possibly reflecting increased skeletal growth and collagen turnover in the former.