Severity of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy correlates with increased expression of angiogenin in neonates

Article type: Research Article

Authors: El Shimi, M. Sami^a | Abdou, R.M.^{a; *} | Fathey, M.^b | Mostafa, S.^a

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Rania Mohamed Abdou, Pediatric Department; Ain Shams University, Faculty of Medicine, 38 el Abasseya, Near Al Nour Mosque, Egypt. Tel.: +20 1006201172; Fax: +20 6837673 94070; E-mail: raniaabdou0811@yahoo.com.

Abstract: BACKGROUND:Angiogenin is a small protein encoded by the ANG gene. It is activated by tissue hypoxia, and is known to be a potent stimulator of angiogenesis. The role of angiogenic factors in the pathogenesis of HIE is poorly understood, yet, angiogenin may be part of the molecular mechanisms underlying HIE. OBJECTIVE:Our objective was to explore the predictive value of angiogenin as a biochemical marker in early hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy staging. STUDY DESIGN:We prospectively studied 36 full term HIE neonates and 20 non- asphyxia neonates. Cord blood samples from all subjects immediately at delivery were withdrawn. Neurological examination and grading of HIE were performed during the first day of life. RESULTS:Concentrations of cord blood angiogenin were increased in infants with asphyxia when compared txht o controls (P = 0). Within the asphyxia group, the median cord blood angiogenin was significantly higher in stage III encephalopathy patient compared to stage I and stage II (p = 0). There was a negative correlation between pH, HCo3 level and angiogenin in stage II and stage III. CONCLUSION:Angiogenin helps in assessing the severity of HIE in neonates and is promising marker predicting the stage of hypoxia-ischemia so treatment may be initiated earlier.

Keywords: Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, angiogenin

DOI: 10.3233/NPM-1758

Journal: Journal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 185-190, 2018