BACKGROUNDInsulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1), which is a carrier of Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) regulates the fetal development by working as an active factor controlling the combination of IGFs with their receptors. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between IGFBP-1 and human embryonic development during weeks 6 - 10 of gestation.

METHODSA total of 44 pregnant women with singleton pregnancy were divided into two groups: one with abnormal embryo development (n = 32) and the other with normal embryo development (n = 12). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to detect IGFBP-1 levels in maternal serum and decidual tissue. The expression of IGFBP-1 mRNA in deciduas was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique.

RESULTSThe level of IGFBP-1 protein in maternal serum was significantly higher in the abnormal group [(125.36 +/- 47.93) micro g/ml] than in the normal group [(70.72 +/- 21.21) micro g/ml]. Both of IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-1 mRNA in deciduas were higher in abnormal group [(1.60 +/- 1.39) micro g/ml and 1.66 +/- 1.64, respectively] than in the normal group [(0.35 +/- 0.23) micro g/ml and 0.40 +/- 0.20, respectively]. The level of IGFBP-1 in maternal serum was positively correlated with IGFBP-1 mRNA (r = 0.90, P < 0.05) and IGFBP-1 protein (r = 0.92, P < 0.05) in decidual tissue.

CONCLUSIONSDuring weeks 6 - 10 of gestation, abnormal embryonic development is correlated with elevated IGFBP-1. The level of IGFBP-1 in maternal serum is related to the concentrations of IGFBP-1 mRNA and IGFBP-1 in decidual tissue. The IGFBP-1 level in maternal serum may be used as a predictive marker to evaluate embryonic development.