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Hormonal Determinants of Growth and Weight Gain in the Human Fetus and Preterm Infant

Laura Page1, Noelle Younge2, Michael Freemark1,3

  • 1Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.

Nutrients
|September 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Understanding fetal and newborn growth requires examining hormonal and growth factor influences. This review explores how maternal, placental, and fetal factors impact growth, nutrient delivery, and metabolic function, especially concerning preterm birth.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Factors influencing fetal and neonatal linear growth and weight gain remain incompletely understood.
  • Hormonal and growth factor regulation plays a critical role in fetal development and postnatal adaptation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review changes in fetal and neonatal growth parameters (linear growth, weight, lean mass, fat mass).
  • To examine the role of maternal, placental, fetal, and neonatal hormones, growth factors, and adipocytokines in regulating growth.
  • To assess the impact of maternal disorders and interventions on fetal growth and metabolism.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of hormonal and growth factor influences on fetal and neonatal development.
  • Analysis of changes in body composition during gestation and early postnatal life.
  • Assessment of the effects of maternal factors and preterm delivery on growth regulation.

Main Results:

  • Hormonal and growth factor actions significantly influence placental nutrient transfer and fetal growth trajectories.
  • Preterm delivery alters hormone expression, impacting postnatal growth and metabolic function.
  • Maternal conditions and interventions modify fetal/perinatal growth factor production and fat deposition.

Conclusions:

  • A comprehensive understanding of fetal and neonatal growth necessitates integrating knowledge of endocrine and paracrine signaling pathways.
  • Further research is needed to address unresolved questions regarding the complex interplay of factors governing perinatal growth and metabolic programming.

Keywords:
adipocytokinesglucocorticoidsgrowth hormoneinsulininsulin-like growth factorslactogenic hormones

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