Effect of L-arginine on the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in the placenta of fetal growth restriction.

Objective: To investigate the effect of l-arginine on fetal growth restriction (FGR) in terms of the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in placenta.

Methods: Sixty pregnant women with FGR were randomized to receive conventional treatment alone (control group, n = 30) or in combination with L-arginine (L-arginine group, n = 30). The parameters of fetal growth and development were monitored by B-ultrasound at regular intervals. The newborn birth weight and perinatal outcomes were also documented. Placental tissue was sampled within 10 min after delivery for analysis. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in placental tissue was determined by immunohistochemical technique.

Results: The fetal growth parameters of biparietal diameter, femur length, and abdominal circumference increased more significantly in L-arginine group than those in control group (p < 0.01). The cure rate and birth weight in L-arginine group were higher than those in control group (73.3% vs. 43.3%, 2455.20 g vs. 2402.63 g, respectively). The incidence of small for gestational age newborns in l-arginine group was significantly lower than that in control group. Compared with L-arginine group, the Bax expression increased, but bcl-2 expression decreased in control group.

Conclusions: L-arginine could reduce the expression of Bax, and enhance the expression of bcl-2, which may be associated with reduced placental apoptosis and improved placental function and fetal development.