Evaluation of the main Th2 cytokines in the maintenance of the temperature of newborns and their relationship with atopy

• Grant number: 22/09841-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2022
• End date: August 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Maternal and Child Health
• Principal Investigator: Licio Augusto Velloso
• Grantee: Ana Carolina Gomes Pereira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/07607-8 - OCRC - Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, AP.CEPID

Abstract

Neonatal hypothermia is associated with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity in newborns. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) has thermogenic activity and is essential for maintaining the thermic stability of newborns. Past studies demonstrate that the immune system has a much broader function than just response to pathogens; one of these functions is related to the regulation of brown adipose tissue (BAT). In this project, we aim to advance the understanding of the role played by cytokines produced by Th2 lymphocytes (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) and IL-33 in BAT and how the levels of these substances influence the body temperature of the neonate.As the Th2-type immune response is the main mechanism of atopy, we will also analyze whether the maternal history of atopy influences the concentration of these interleukins and the neonatal outcome. Thus, our objective is to evaluate the importance of these cytokines in the maintenance of homeostasis in newborns and their relationship with atopy. To this end, we will verify whether there is an association between the temperature of newborns in the first hours of life and the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-33 in blood and breast milk.Term and preterm newborns born at CAISM - UNICAMP will be evaluated, dividing them into 3 study groups: (1) children who have hypothermia at birth (axillary temperature < 36°C) but who recover their temperature in the birth room; (2) children who are hypothermic at birth and who are admitted to the NICU still hypothermic and (3) children who are born normothermic. Approximately 15 drops of blood will be collected on Whatman 903 paper and 10 ml of mother's milk for analysis, which will be done with Multiplex.