Objective: To determine levels of galectins (gal)-1 and -3 (implicated
in angiogenesis/immunologic mechanisms) in intrauterine growth
restricted (IUGR), large (LGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA)
pregnancies, as these groups differ in fat mass, angiogenic patterns and
immune responses.
Methods: Cord-blood (UC) gal-1 and -3 concentrations were measured in 30
IUGR, 30 LGA and 20 AGA singleton full-term infants and their mothers
(MS).
Results: IUGR, LGA and AGA groups did not differ in gal-1 and -3
concentrations. UC gal-1 levels were lower when mothers were older [b=
-0.651, CI 95% -1.186 (-0.116), P = 0.018] and UC gal-3 levels were
increased when mothers presented gestational diabetes [b=9.836, CI
95% 3.833- (15.839), P=0.002]. In IUGRs MS gal-3 and in LGAs UC gal-1
were decreased in multiparas [b = -5.372, CI 95% -9.584- (-1.161),
P=0.014], and [b=-7.540, CI 95% -14.606- (-0.473), P=0.037],
respectively. No correlations were found between MS or UC gal-1 and
gal-3 concentrations.
Conclusions: Lower UC gal-1 levels, when mothers were older, and
increased UC gal-3 levels in cases of gestational diabetes, possibly
reflect angiogenic activity. In multiparas, decreased MS gal-3 and UC
gal-1 levels in IUGR/LGA, respectively, might imply inflammatory
response against immunosuppression expected in subsequent pregnancies,
as compared to the first one
