Human placental growth hormone in normal and abnormal fetal growth

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Human placental growth hormone (PGH) is a variant of growth hormone (GH) produced by the placenta.
• PGH levels rise during pregnancy, replacing pituitary GH and influencing maternal metabolism and fetal development.
• It is found in maternal serum, cord blood, and amniotic fluid, indicating its systemic role.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of PGH in fetal growth.
• To examine the association between PGH alterations and pregnancy complications involving abnormal fetal growth.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on PGH function and its implications in pregnancy.
• Analysis of studies investigating PGH levels and placental expression in relation to fetal growth and pregnancy outcomes.

Main Results:

• PGH stimulates maternal metabolic processes (glyconeogenesis, lipolysis, anabolism) and influences fetal growth and placental development.
• It acts indirectly via insulin-like growth factor-I and potentially directly on trophoblast invasiveness and function.
• Altered PGH levels and placental expression are associated with pregnancy complications characterized by abnormal fetal growth.

Conclusions:

• PGH is a critical hormone for normal fetal growth and maternal adaptation during pregnancy.
• Dysregulation of PGH may contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes, highlighting its clinical significance.