Effect of L-arginine on the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in the placenta of fetal growth restriction

Abstract

Objective. To investigate the effect of l-arginine on fetal growth restriction (FGR) in terms of the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in placenta.

Methods. Sixty pregnant women with FGR were randomized to receive conventional treatment alone (control group, n = 30) or in combination with l-arginine (l-arginine group, n = 30). The parameters of fetal growth and development were monitored by B-ultrasound at regular intervals. The newborn birth weight and perinatal outcomes were also documented. Placental tissue was sampled within 10 min after delivery for analysis. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in placental tissue was determined by immunohistochemical technique.

Results. The fetal growth parameters of biparietal diameter, femur length, and abdominal circumference increased more significantly in l-arginine group than those in control group (p < 0.0l). The cure rate and birth weight in l-arginine group were higher than those in control group (73.3% vs. 43.3%, 2455.20 g vs. 2402.63 g, respectively). The incidence of small for gestational age newborns in l-arginine group was significantly lower than that in control group. Compared with l-arginine group, the Bax expression increased, but bcl-2 expression decreased in control group.

Conclusions. l-arginine could reduce the expression of Bax, and enhance the expression of bcl-2, which may be associated with reduced placental apoptosis and improved placental function and fetal development.

Keywords:

• L-Arginine
• fetal growth restriction
• Bcl-2
• Bax

Acknowledgements

This study is funded by the Research Foundation (Project No. 200697) of Henan Provincial Health Authority.