Relation between neonatal jaundice and oncostatin M, hepatocyte growth factor and soluble gp130 levels in umbilical cord

Objectives. Oncostatin M (OSM), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and soluble glycoprotein 130 (sgp130) have been demonstrated to be involved in fetal liver development. In this study, we examined the relation between neonatal jaundice and OSM, gp130 or HGF levels in umbilical cord blood. Design. A cross-sectional study of 160 neonates born at Okayama University Hospital. Setting. Tertiary referral center serving a population of three million. Methods. The serum concentrations of OSM, HGF and sgp130 in umbilical venous cord blood were measured and compared with the clinical records of these neonates. Results. The HGF level was correlated to both gestational week (p=0.007) and birthweight (p=0.015), as well as to total bilirubin on Day 1 (p=0.032). In preterm neonates, the HGF levels were lower in neonates who received phototherapy (photo group) than in those who did not receive phototherapy (non-photo group) (p=0.002). In contrast, in term neonates, OSM levels were lower in the photo group than in the non-photo group (p=0.0003). Conclusions. These findings suggest that the phototherapy requirement for neonatal jaundice may be associated with lower umbilical HGF concentration in preterm neonates and with lower umbilical OSM concentration in term neonates.