Investigation of the Relationship Between Phoenixin-14 Levels and Echocardiographic Findings in Infants of Diabetic Mothers

Phoenixin is a neuropeptide that has been discovered in recent years. It was first identified as a reproductive peptide in 2013. However, subsequent studies have demonstrated that phoenixin plays a regulatory role in a wide range of physiological systems, including glucose metabolism, pain perception, appetite, anxiety, and cardiovascular regulation. Phoenixin is highly expressed in various regions of the brain, including the hypothalamus, and has also been detected in circulation and peripheral tissues. Animal studies suggest that phoenixin-14 may have a direct regulatory role in the liver.

So far, two isoforms of phoenixin have been identified: phoenixin-20, which consists of a 20-amino acid peptide, and phoenixin-14, which consists of a 14-amino acid peptide. Both peptides exhibit similar functions.

Maternal diabetes is associated with significant congenital disorders, an increased risk of preterm birth, higher prenatal morbidity, and increased mortality. It can also lead to neonatal hypoglycemia and macrosomia. One of the most concerning effects is its impact on the cardiovascular system, including transient myocardial hypertrophy, which typically resolves within 2-4 weeks after birth. Additionally, it can cause disproportionate septal thickening, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, transient hypertrophic subaortic stenosis, and heart failure.

Animal studies have shown that phoenixin-14 plays a role in myocardial repair and the regression of cardiac hypertrophy in diabetic mice. Furthermore, phoenixin-14 has been found to significantly reduce severe oxidative stress in diabetic mice.

Existing studies on phoenixin-14 in the literature have focused on adults, and there is currently no research on phoenixin-14 levels in newborns. Based on previous studies, the investigator aim is to investigate whether there is a relationship between blood phoenixin-14 levels and echocardiographic pathologies-particularly myocardial hypertrophy and interventricular septal thickness-in infants of diabetic mothers.