HMGB1 Levels at Fetal Growth Restriction

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate HMGB1 levels in cases of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

The secondary aim is to determine whether the cerebroplacental ratio interacts with these levels.

IUGR occurs when the fetus fails to reach its expected uterine growth potential due to fetal, maternal, and/or placental factors. IUGR occurs in approximately 10% of pregnancies worldwide. IUGR is associated with high perinatal morbidity and mortality rates.

High motility group box 1 (HMGB1) is the most abundant member of the high motility group (HMG) protein family and is expressed in almost all human cells. HMGB1 is predominantly found in the nucleus and can also shuttle actively and passively between the nucleus and cytoplasm. During cell apoptosis and necrosis, HMGB1 is released from dying cells into the extracellular space.

In high-risk pregnancies, particularly preeclampsia, HMGB1 levels are known to be elevated in the maternal circulation. A study investigating the possible link between sterile inflammation mediated by HMGB1 and the angiogenic imbalance observed in preeclampsia showed that high HMGB1 expression and its release from hypoxic trophoblasts play a critical role and contribute to angiogenic imbalance in preeclampsia.