Background: In this study, we aimed to analyze differences in plasma protein abundances between infants with
and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), to add new insights into a better understanding of the pathogenesis
of this disease.
Methods: Cord and peripheral blood of neonates (≤ 30 weeks gestational age) was drawn at birth and at the 36th
postmenstrual week (36 PMA), respectively. Blood samples were retrospectively subdivided into BPD(+) and BPD(−)
groups, according to the development of BPD.
Results: Children with BPD were characterized by decreased afamin, gelsolin and carboxypeptidase N subunit 2 levels
in cord blood, and decreased galectin-3 binding protein and hemoglobin subunit gamma-1 levels, as well as an
increased serotransferrin abundance in plasma at the 36 PMA.
Conclusions: BPD development is associated with the plasma proteome changes in preterm infants, adding further
evidence for the possible involvement of disturbances in vitamin E availability and impaired immunological processes
in the progression of prematurity pulmonary complications. Moreover, it also points to the differences in proteins
related to infection resistance and maintaining an adequate level of hematocrit in infants diagnosed with BPD