Association between TGFb1 levels in cord blood and weight progress in the first year of life

Abstract

Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ1) is an adipokine secreted by adipose tissue, placental tissue, and immune cells, playing a role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. However, its role in pregnancy and child growth, as well as the primary source of cord TGFβ1, remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between TGFβ1 levels and intrauterine growth parameters, as well as child growth during the first year of life, while also determining whether its primary origin is fetal or maternal. Serum samples and anthropometric measurements were collected from 79 healthy mother–child pairs within the LIFE Child cohort. TGFβ1 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and statistical analyses—including the Mann–Whitney U-test, correlation analyses, and linear regression—were performed using GraphPad Prism and R. Results showed that TGFβ1 levels were significantly higher in cord serum compared to maternal serum, suggesting a predominantly fetal origin. Multivariate regression analyses identified a strong positive association between cord TGFβ1 levels at birth and child weight at U6. Additionally, cord TGFβ1 levels were significantly correlated with child weight at approximately one year of age. An increase of 10,000 pg/mL in cord TGFβ1 at birth was associated with a 201 g higher body weight at one year, after adjusting for sex.:Introduction Paper Manuscript Manuscript Summary References Supplementary Materials Presentation of own Contributions Appendice