Comparative two time-point proteome analysis of the plasma from preterm infants with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Abstract

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.

Recent advances in understanding and management of bronchopulmonary dysplasia

“…Analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in preterm babies using a proteomics-based approach showed that calcium signaling-related proteins differed with BPD severity 37 . In a study evaluating plasma proteins using proteomics in preterm infants, it was noted that there was decreased gelsolin, afamin, and carboxypeptidase N subunit 2 levels in cord blood 38 . In addition, there was decreased hemoglobin subunit gamma-1 and galectin-3 binding protein levels, along with increased serotransferrin in plasma at 36 weeks PMA 38 .…”

“…In a study evaluating plasma proteins using proteomics in preterm infants, it was noted that there was decreased gelsolin, afamin, and carboxypeptidase N subunit 2 levels in cord blood 38 . In addition, there was decreased hemoglobin subunit gamma-1 and galectin-3 binding protein levels, along with increased serotransferrin in plasma at 36 weeks PMA 38 . In a recent study by Förster et al ., proteomic screening was utilized in plasma samples from preterm infants to identify novel biomarkers of BPD that could help in the early identification of such infants.…”

The use of proteomics for blood biomarker research in premature infants: a scoping review

“…The participant gestational age at birth ranged from < 23 to 37 weeks, with sample sizes varying from 4 to 77 participants. Most studies used a tandem Mass Spectrometry method (MS/MS) to analyse the proteins of interest [ 10 , 12 – 15 ]. Three of the fourteen studies also conducted protein validation and completed this task using protein microarray and immunoassay techniques [ 10 , 16 , 17 ].…”

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia predicted at birth by artificial intelligence

“…24 However, these metabolites need to be measured in special labs and are therefore less useful as clinical diagnostic tests. Also, laborious plasma proteome analyses 25 showed changes in the concentrations related to infections in BPD. Furthermore, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in blood 26 is an early predictor of BPD.…”