Neuropeptide Y2 receptor (NPY2R) expression in saliva predicts feeding immaturity in the premature neonate.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The current practice in newborn medicine is to subjectively assess when a premature infant is ready to feed by mouth. When the assessment is inaccurate, the resulting feeding morbidities may be significant, resulting in long-term health consequences and millions of health care dollars annually. We hypothesized that the developmental maturation of hypothalamic regulation of feeding behavior is a predictor of successful oral feeding in the premature infant. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the gene expression of neuropeptide Y2 receptor (NPY2R), a known hypothalamic regulator of feeding behavior, in neonatal saliva to determine its role as a biomarker in predicting oral feeding success in the neonate.

Methodology/principal findings

Salivary samples (n = 116), we

SUBMITTER: Maron JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3357390 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature