DNA methylation status of P2 promoter of IGF2 gene in growth restricted neonates

Abstract Objective Small for gestational age (SGA) is associated with epigenetic changes in DNA methylation status of various gene promoters as studied in cord blood of neonates and placenta samples of their mothers. Changes in methylation status of IGF-2 gene promoter may down regulate its expression and thereby control the weight and growth of babies. Objective of the current study was to determine the P2 promoter methylation status of IGF-2 gene in SGA neonates. Study design Twenty-eight growth restricted and 29 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates were recruited in this study and umbilical cord blood samples were collected at birth. DNA samples were isolated and subjected to bisulfite modification and using specific primers methylation specific (MS) PCR was performed. The status of methylation in P2 promoter of IGF-2 was recorded after agarose gel electrophoresis. Results Hypo methylation of P2 promoter of IGF-2 promoter was found in 64.3% of cord blood samples of growth restricted neonates as compared to 14% of AGA (p  Conclusion IGF-2 P2 promoter hypo methylation is found in majority of cord blood samples of Indian growth restricted neonates.