Investigation of Potential Biomarkers for the Susceptibility of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia and Normative Data for a Preschool Behavioral and Emotional Assessment in Taiwanese Preterm Children

• Main Authors: Yen-Tzu Wu, 吳晏慈
• Other Authors: Suh-Fang Jeng
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2011
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/32800775103540132855

博士 === 國立臺灣大學 === 物理治療學研究所 === 99 === Chapter 1 Background: Genetic factors have been shown to account for more than 50% of the variation in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. However, human genetic association studies have failed to show consistent associations, and altered expression of transcription factors has only been observed in animal studies. An emerging focus in the search for biomarkers of BPD has been on post-transcriptional regulator of messenger RNA translation such as microRNAs (miRNAs). Objective: This study aimed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in the peripheral blood of very low birth weight (VLBW, birth weight < 1,500 g) preterm infants with and without BPD. Methods: Blood samples from 15 VLBW preterm infants with BPD and from 15 sex-matched controls were collected in early postnatal life, and 365 miRNA expression profiles were assessed using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction system. Results: The BPD group was more likely than the non-BPD group to show increased expression of miR-133b and miR-7 and decreased expression of miR-152, miR-30a-3p, miR-650 and miR-624 (all p < 0.2). This 6-miRNA signature was highly predictive of the occurrence of BPD after controlling for the effects of confounders (accuracy = 0.995). Forty-one shared target genes were associated with the 6-miRNA signature, and seventeen of them were relevant to development-related functions and diseases. The Wnt/β-catenin and axon guidance signaling pathways were associated with the target genes (p < 0.05 for both). Conclusions: This 6-miRNA signature of peripheral blood might serve as a biomarker predictive of the occurrence of BPD in VLBW preterm infants. Chapter 2 Background: There has been limited epidemiologic information concerning non-Western preschoolers’ behavioral and emotional problems, and the data in Taiwanese preschoolers is lacking. Objective: This study aimed to investigate behavioral and emotional problems in a full-term population of Taiwanese preschoolers using the Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 1½-5 (CBCL/1½-5). The behavioral problems scores and prevalence of Taiwanese preschoolers were compared with those of American and Dutch preschoolers. The correlates of behavioral problems were also examined. Methods: Mothers of 306 Taiwanese preschoolers aged 20-60 months completed the CBCL/1½-5. The data of American and Dutch preschoolers were extracted from the previous studies and to compare with Taiwanese data. Results: The CBCL/1½-5 had satisfactory reliability and factorial validity for assessing Taiwanese preschoolers. Results of cross-cultural comparisons revealed that Taiwanese preschoolers exhibited higher behavioral problem scores on most of the behavioral syndromes and increased prevalence rates of internalizing-related syndromes and Sleep Problems. Younger age, male gender, and first birth order were unfavorable for behavioral performance. Girls’ behavioral problems decreased with age, whereas boys’ behavioral problems persistently high across ages. Conclusions: Results of cross-cultural comparisons and behavioral correlates are important to assist in clinical assessment and management of preschoolers’ behavioral and emotional problems.