Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026
07:04
Human Placental and Decidual Organ Cultures to Study Infections at the Maternal-fetal Interface
Published on: July 21, 2016
21.7K
Changes in maternal placental growth factor levels during term labour
Liam Dunn1, Christopher Flatley1, Sailesh Kumar2
1Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, Level 3 Aubigny Place, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia.
Placenta
|December 27, 2017
Summary
Maternal placental growth factor (PlGF) levels significantly decrease during labor, dropping by nearly one quarter. This reduction may indicate a decline in placental function as labor progresses.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Placental growth factor (PlGF) is crucial for placental development and angiogenesis.
- Low PlGF levels are linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes like fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia.
- Understanding PlGF dynamics during labor is important for assessing fetal well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of labor on maternal PlGF levels.
- To determine if PlGF levels change significantly during the intrapartum period.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational cohort study design.
- Inclusion of normotensive women with normally grown singleton fetuses between 37 and 42 weeks gestation.
- Assay of PlGF at two time-points during labor, with elective cesarean section participants as controls.
Main Results:
- Median PlGF levels decreased by 23.9% (p < 0.001) during labor.
- PlGF levels were significantly lower in the second stage of labor.
- Nulliparous women exhibited lower PlGF levels compared to multiparous women, with similar overall decline.
Conclusions:
- Maternal PlGF levels significantly decline during labor.
- This observed drop in PlGF may suggest a deterioration of placental function.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of these findings.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors
4.0K
Hematopoietic growth factors are molecules that regulate the differentiation rate of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Erythropoietin (EPO), primarily produced by the kidneys, plays a crucial role in erythrocyte production. When oxygen levels in the blood are low, EPO is released into the bloodstream, reaching the bone marrow, where it stimulates HSCs to differentiate and mature into erythrocytes, which are vital for oxygen transport.
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...
4.0K
01:29Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: pH
1.4K
Microorganisms are classified as acidophiles, neutrophiles, or alkaliphiles based on their pH growth preferences, reflecting their adaptations to specific environments. Maintaining a stable intracellular pH is critical for macromolecular stability and enzymatic activity, which can be challenged by external pH variations.Neutrophiles, such as Escherichia coli, grow optimally between pH 5.5 and 8.0. These microorganisms inhabit neutral or slightly acidic environments and employ mechanisms like...
1.4K
01:27Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: Temperature
1.4K
Microorganisms display remarkable adaptations, enabling them to thrive in diverse ecological niches across a wide range of temperatures. Temperature profoundly influences microbial growth by affecting enzymatic activity, membrane fluidity, and other cellular processes.Each microorganism operates within a specific temperature range defined by three cardinal points: minimum, optimum, and maximum. Below the minimum temperature, membranes lose fluidity, halting transport processes. Above the...
1.4K
01:28Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: Osmolarity
994
Osmolarity is the measure of solute concentration in a solution. It plays a critical role in determining water availability for organisms. Water moves across semipermeable membranes through osmosis, flowing from regions of lower solute concentration (more dilute) to regions of higher solute concentration (more concentrated).In high-solute environments, microbial cells lose water, leading to dehydration and inhibited growth. The extent to which water is available to microbes in such environments...
994
01:24Gonadal and Placental Hormones
3.3K
The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair...
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair...
3.3K
01:31Factors Affecting Renal Clearance: Drug's Physicochemical Properties and Plasma Levels
627
Renal clearance of a drug is influenced by various factors, including its physicochemical properties and plasma levels. These factors play a significant role in determining how efficiently the kidneys eliminate a drug.
One important factor is the drug's molecular size. The kidneys readily excrete smaller molecules below 300 Daltons (Da). On the other hand, molecules weighing between 300 and 500 Da are excreted through both urine and bile. Larger molecules above 500 Da tend to be excreted...
One important factor is the drug's molecular size. The kidneys readily excrete smaller molecules below 300 Daltons (Da). On the other hand, molecules weighing between 300 and 500 Da are excreted through both urine and bile. Larger molecules above 500 Da tend to be excreted...
627