[Frontiers in Bioscience E2, 47-51, January 1, 2010]

S100beta protein is increased in fetuses with neural tube defect

Emanuela Marinoni1, Alessandro Frigiola2, Diego Gazzolo, Papaleo Greco3, Antonella Vimercati3, Massimo Moscarini4, Raul Abella2, Romolo Di Iorio4

1Centre for Scientific Research, San Pietro Hospital, Fatebenefratelli, Rome, 2Department of Cardiac Surgery S. Donato Milanese University Hospital, San Donato Milanese, Italy,3Department of Fetal Maternal and Neonatal Medicine, Cesare Arrigo Children's Hospital, Alessandria, Italy, 4Department of Gynecology, Perinatology and Child Health, University La Sapienza, Rome

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3.Material and methods
3.1.Patients
3.2. Samples collection
3.3. S100 measurement
3.3. Statistical analysis
4. Results
5. Discussion
6. Acknowledgments
7. References

1. ABSTRACT

We investigated the levels of S100beta protein (S100B) in the serum of fetuses with neural tube defects (NTD), and their mother. Samples from 20 fetuses with NTD and 30 controls at the same gestational age, and their mothers, were studied. S100B protein levels were determined using Lia-mat Sangtec. kit. S100B concentrations were significantly higher in NTD fetuses (median 2.71 microg/L) than in control subjects (median 0.98 microg/L). Increased S100B levels were also found in mothers carrying fetuses with NTD compared to control and uncomplicated pregnancies. This study indicates that NTD is associated with increased serum concentration of S100B in fetuses and mothers. Moreover, it gives information on S100B levels in the fetal circulation in early-mid gestation.