Background: In asphyxiated neonates, abnormal proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine production may be induced. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB-1) protein is a new type of proinflammatory cytokine that induces abnormal inflammatory responses involving proinflammatory cytokine production. However, the physiological significance of HMGB-1 in asphyxia is poorly understood. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate whether serum HMGB-1 levels were changed in asphyxia by measuring the serum concentration of HMGB-1 in both asphyxiated and normally delivered neonates at birth. Methods: Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we measured the concentration of HMGB-1 in sera obtained from 53 asphyxiated neonates and 32 normally delivered neonates immediately after birth. Results: The serum concentrations of HMGB-1 in asphyxiated neonates were significantly higher than those in normally delivered neonates without asphyxia (p = 0.033). Conclusion: We suggest that the elevation of HMGB-1 might be associated with abnormal inflammatory responses involving the excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines in neonates with asphyxia.

Keywords:
High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB-1), Asphyxia, Neonates, Inflammation
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© 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel
2008
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