Low birthweight in newborns linked to protein in placenta

newborn
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

For the first time, UCLA scientists have discovered higher levels of a protein called humanin in the placenta tissue of women who give birth to severely underweight infants. This protein plays a role in breaking down carbohydrates and delivering nutrients to other organs, including muscle. The researchers suspect that levels of humanin rise to protect the fetus during placenta failure.

Up to 10 percent of pregnancies are affected by , in which a newborn weighs less than 5 ½ pounds at full-term delivery. The condition heightens the risk for a wide range of serious health problems. The cause remains poorly understood, but most physicians blame a malfunction in the placenta that prevents the mother's bloodstream from delivering oxygen and nutrients to her fetus.

In studying the , researchers looked at gene expression: the process by which a gene's DNA sequence is converted into cellular proteins. They compared the placentas of women who gave birth to healthy babies to the placentas of women who delivered low-birthweight infants. The team found significantly of humanin in the latter group. This protein protects the body against oxidative stress, which hampers the body's ability to defend itself against toxic free radicals (a type of particle linked to disease).

The finding may help researchers unravel the reasons why low birthweight babies face a higher risk of obesity, , diabetes and heart disease as adults.

The findings are published in the March 28 edition of PLOS ONE.

Journal information: PLoS ONE
Citation: Low birthweight in newborns linked to protein in placenta (2018, March 28) retrieved 19 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-03-birthweight-newborns-linked-protein-placenta.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Genetic finding may allow doctors to predict newborn health during pregnancy

37 shares

Feedback to editors