OBJECTIVETo investigate the levels of insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1), insulin (INS)and growth hormone (GH) in the cord blood of neonates with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), and to assess the effects of the endocrine environment on IUGR.

METHODSSixty-three newborn infants were selected, including 37 males and 26 females. According to birth weight, they were classified into IUGR group (n=33) and control group (normal birth weight, n=30). The levels of IGF-1, INS and GH in the cord blood were measured.

RESULTSUmbilical cord serum levels of IGF-1 and INS in the IUGR group were significantly lower than those in the control group. In contrast, umbilical cord serum GH levels in the IUGR group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Birth weight was positively correlated with umbilical cord serum IGF-1 levels (r=0.625, P<0.01) and negatively correlated with GH levels (r=-0.257, P<0.05). Gestational age was positively correlated with umbilical cord serum IGF-1 levels (r=0.271, P<0.05). Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis showed that umbilical cord serum IGF-1 and INS levels were significant influential factors for birth weight.

CONCLUSIONSThe endocrine environment controls the growth and development of the fetus. The levels of IGF-1 and INS in the cord blood are associated with fetal weight. The low umbilical cord serum levels of IGF-1 may be one of the reasons for resulting in IUGR.