The existing data regarding the effects of low birth weight/intrauterine growth restriction on the BDNF levels are still conflicting; at term, the BDNF levels of infants with IUGR were not different from those born appropriate for gestational age (AGA) (33) while the BDNF levels were lower in very preterm infants with severe growth restriction (34). The gene discussed is BDNF; the disease is fetal growth restriction.