Neuregulin-1 high-producer genotype is associated with a decreased risk of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

Background Neuregulin (NRG1) is a developmental growth factor and homozygous C allele carriers at the NRG221533 locus are at reduced risk for developmental disability. Aims To explore whether 1) the NRG221533 CC genotype is associated with a decreased likelihood of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission; 2) NRG1 is present in the infant's systemic circulation; and 3) to comparatively investigate two additional proposed high-producer single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for the cytokines interleukin 6 (− 572) and interleukin 10 (− 1082), examining both gene product and the association for admission to the NICU. Study design IL6 and IL10 protein was measured in umbilical cord blood by a multiplex sandwich immunoassay and NRG1 by ELISA. Infants were screened for SNPs IL6 (− 572), IL10 (− 1082), and NRG221533. We defined IL6 (C), IL10 (G) and NRG1 (C) as high-producer alleles based on published data. Subjects Unselected single-center convenience sample of 97 newborns with a gestational age of 25–33 weeks ( N = 18), 34–36 weeks ( N = 17), 37–38 weeks ( N = 28), and 39–41 weeks ( N = 34). Outcome measures Prematurity (< 37 completed weeks) and admission to NICU. Results The SNP NRG221533 CC genotype was associated with reduced admission to the NICU, even after adjustment for confounders. Adjustment for high IL6 levels reduced the protective effect. NRG1 levels tended to increase with advancing gestational age. Unexpectedly, we found lower IL6 and IL10 levels in infants homozygous for the IL6 (C) and IL10 (G) alleles, and no associations between IL10 (− 1082) and IL6 (− 572) genotype and prematurity or admission to NICU. Conclusions The NRG221533 CC genotype might be protective in newborns. The protective effect might not be directly related to increased systemic NRG levels.