FADS1 and FADS2
After checking the assumptions of normality, a non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to compare the median in individual groups. In terms of the FADS1 and FADS2 genes, the groups did not significantly differ statistically (p> 0.05). The AGA, LGA, SGA, IUGR and PTB groups were therefore similar in terms of the distribution of FADS1 and FADS2.
FADS3
After checking the assumptions of normality of the distribution, it turned out to be possible to use the parametric analysis of variance ANOVA, to compare the average of the dependent variable in the individual groups. In the FADS3 range, the groups significantly differed statistically (p <0.05).
Tukey's post hoc test was performed in order to determine exactly where there were significant differences between the groups.
There were significant statistical differences (p <0.05) between:
AGA - IUGR; In the AGA group, average values of FADS3 M = 9149.67 were recorded, while in the IUGR group M = 4713.50. The AGA group achieved statistically significant (p <0.05) higher results than the IUGR group (Fig. 1).
AGA - PTB; In the AGA group, average values of FADS3 M = 9149.67 were recorded, while in the PTB group M = 967.33. The AGA group achieved statistically significant (p <0.05) higher results than the PTB group (Fig. 1).
LGA - PTB; In the LGA group, average values of FADS3 were M = 8487.60, while in the PTB group M = 967.33. The LGA group achieved statistically significant (p <0.05) higher results than the PTB group (Fig. 1).
SGA - PTB; In the SGA group, average values of FADS3 M = 8580.83 were recorded, while in the PTB group M = 967.33. The SGA group achieved statistically significant (p <0.05) higher results than the PTB group (Fig. 1).
IUGR - PTB; In the IUGR group, average values of FADS3 were M = 4713.50, while in the PTB group M = 967.33. The IUGR group achieved statistically significant (p <0.05) higher results than the PTB group (Fig. 1).
In the next part of the analysis, the transcriptional activity of the FADS1, FADS2 and FADS3 genes was compared within each of the research groups (AGA, LGA, SGA, IUGR, PTB).
AGA Group
Friedman's test showed significant differences (p <0.05) statistically between the expression levels of these genes within the AGA group. Bonferroni’s post hoc test was conducted in order to determine exactly where the differences between these gene expressions were significant,. The test showed that statistically significant (p <0.05) differences between them were, for example:
FADS1 - FADS3; For FADS1 the average was M = 2640.78 while for FADS3 the average was M = 9149.67; The AGA group had a significantly higher level of FADS3 than of FADS1 (Fig. 2).
FADS2 - FADS3; For FADS2 the average was M = 494.89 while in FADS3 the average was M = 9149.67; The AGA group had a significantly higher level of FADS3 than of FADS2 (Fig. 2).
LGA Group
Friedman's test showed statistically significant differences (p <0.05) between the expression level of these genes within the LGA group. The Bonferroni test showed that there were statistically significant (p <0.05) differences between gene expression - for example:
FADS1 - FADS2; For FADS1 the average was M = 2663.20 while for FADS2 the average was M = 8090.90; The LGA group had a significantly higher level of FADS2 than of FADS1 (Fig. 3).
FADS1 - FADS3; For FADS1 the average was M = 2663.20, while for FADS3 the average was M = 8487.60; The LGA group had a significantly higher level of FADS3 than of FADS1 (Fig. 3).
SGA Group
Friedman's test showed statistically significant differences (p <0.05) between the expression levels of these genes within the SGA group. Tukey's post hoc test was performed in order to determine exactly where there were significant differences between gene expression. Tukey's test showed that there were statistically significant (p <0.05) differences between gene expression - for example:
FADS1 - FADS3; For FADS1 the average was M = 2587.17, while for FADS3 the average was M = 8580.83; The SGA group had a significantly higher level of FADS3 than of FADS1 (Fig. 4).
IUGR Group
Friedman's test showed statistically significant differences (p <0.05) between the expression levels of these genes within the IUGR group. Tukey's post hoc test showed that statistically significant (p <0.05) differences between gene expression were:
FADS1 - FADS3; For FADS1 the average was M = 671.75 while for FADS3 the average was M = 4713.50; The IGUR group had a significantly higher level of FADS3 than of FADS1 (Fig. 5).
FADS2 - FADS3; For FADS2 the average was M = 2,123.00 while for FADS3 the average was M = 4,713.50; The IGUR group had a significantly higher level of FADS3 than ofFADS2 (Fig. 5).
PTB Group
The test that was performed showed no statistically significant differences (p> 0.05) between gene expression in the PTB group. Tukey's post hoc test confirmed there were no differences.