Neuron-specific enolase and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in umbilical cord blood in full-term newborns with intrauterine growth retardation

Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in umbilical cord blood in full-term newborns with asymmetrical intrauterine growth retardation resulted from chronic placental insufficiency have been studied. Not only a 2.0–2.5-fold increase in the blood NSE level, but also a reduction in BDNF levels were observed, indicating brain damage combined with the lack of adequate compensatory capabilities. With an increase in the duration of intrauterine fetal development under conditions of chronic hypoxia, the degree of damage to neuronal structures increases. This article discusses the mechanisms of the revealed changes, as well as the diagnostic and prognostic significance of the use of biochemical markers.