Endocrine Abstracts

Abnormal fetal growth remains a problem in pregnancies, complicated by diabetes and is associated with increased maternal and offspring mortality and morbidity. Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are important regulators of fetal growth. Their effects are controlled by binding proteins (IGFBPs). IGFBP-1 is particularly important in pregnancy. Phosphorylated IGFBP-1 (pIGFBP-1) has a high affinity for IGF-I and inhibits IGF-I actions, whereas de-phosphhorylated IGFBP-1 has a low...

Pregnancy complicated by pre-existing or gestational diabetes is associated with increased risk of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. The most common complication, macrosomia, occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy as a result of abnormal placental growth and increased transfer of nutrients to the fetus. We have previously demonstrated using an explant model of human placenta, that statins have the potential to limit placental growth. In this study we tested t...