The IUGR-induced increase in hepatocyte apoptosis was further confirmed by the upregulated Bax and Fas expression; enhanced caspase-3, 8, and 9 activities; and elevated mitochondrial cytochrome C level, as well as the downregulated Bcl-2 expression in the liver of IUGR suckling lambs of our study. This evidence concerns the gene BAX and fetal growth restriction.