G. Alvino - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by G. Alvino

Research paper thumbnail of Fetal nutrition: A review

Acta Paediatrica, 2005

Knowledge of fetal nutrient supply has greatly increased in the last decade due to the availabili... more Knowledge of fetal nutrient supply has greatly increased in the last decade due to the availability of fetal blood samples obtained under relatively steady-state conditions. These studies, together with studies utilizing stable isotope methodologies, have clarified some aspects of the supply of the major nutrients for the fetus such as glucose, amino acids and fatty acids. At the same time, the relevance of intrauterine growth has been recognized not only for the well-being of the neonate and child, but also for later health in adulthood. The major determinants of fetal nutrient availability are maternal nutrition and metabolism together with placental function and metabolism. The regulation of the rate of intrauterine growth is the result of complex interactions between genetic inheritance, endocrine environment and availability of nutrients to the fetus.

Research paper thumbnail of Consensus Statement

British Journal of …, 2007

Consensus recommendations on behalf of the European Commission research projects Perinatal Lipid ... more Consensus recommendations on behalf of the European Commission research projects Perinatal Lipid Metabolism (PeriLip; www.perilip.org) and Early Nutrition Programming (EARNEST; www.metabolic-programming.org), developed jointly with representatives of the Child ...

Research paper thumbnail of OC250: Fetal oxygen uptake in normal and IUGR pregnancies

Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2007

Objectives: To examine the relationship between smallness, assessed by customized standards, and ... more Objectives: To examine the relationship between smallness, assessed by customized standards, and the predictive value of a normal umbilical artery Doppler. Methods: A cohort was created of 7645 singleton pregnancies without congenital anomalies. Fetuses suspected antenatally of being small for gestational age were referred for assessment by umbilical artery Doppler. The associations with adverse outcome were assessed for small-for-gestational age babies who had normal and abnormal Doppler, compared with neonates who were not small for gestational age. Perinatal outcome indicators were collected, including fetal distress requiring Cesarean section and neonatal morbidity (neonatal intensive care > 14 days, neonatal seizures, intraventricular hemorrhage Grade III or more, periventricular leucomalacia, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or necrotizing enterocolitis).

Research paper thumbnail of Intrauterine Growth Restriction: Implications for Placental Metabolism and Transport. A Review

Research paper thumbnail of The endocrine and metabolic profile of the growth-retarded fetus

Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism : JPEM, 2001

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is characterized by the failure of the fetus to grow at a ... more Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is characterized by the failure of the fetus to grow at a normal rate in utero and is associated with a number of endocrine and metabolic changes. Our knowledge of the placental nutrient supply and the endocrine status of the fetal-placental unit during pregnancies involving IUGR has greatly increased over the past decade as a result of the availability of fetal blood samples obtained under relatively steady state conditions. These studies have provided evidence that the supply of glucose is impaired only under severe conditions, whereas placental transfer of amino acids is reduced even in fetuses with normal oxygenation and feto-placental blood flow. Moreover, significant in utero relationships have been reported between fetal weight and circulating levels of growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor-I and leptin. When measured per kg fetal weight, however, levels of leptin are significantly higher in growth-retarded fetuses, with abno...

Research paper thumbnail of The endocrine and metabolic profile of the growth-retarded fetus

Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism : JPEM, 2001

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is characterized by the failure of the fetus to grow at a ... more Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is characterized by the failure of the fetus to grow at a normal rate in utero and is associated with a number of endocrine and metabolic changes. Our knowledge of the placental nutrient supply and the endocrine status of the fetal-placental unit during pregnancies involving IUGR has greatly increased over the past decade as a result of the availability of fetal blood samples obtained under relatively steady state conditions. These studies have provided evidence that the supply of glucose is impaired only under severe conditions, whereas placental transfer of amino acids is reduced even in fetuses with normal oxygenation and feto-placental blood flow. Moreover, significant in utero relationships have been reported between fetal weight and circulating levels of growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor-I and leptin. When measured per kg fetal weight, however, levels of leptin are significantly higher in growth-retarded fetuses, with abno...

Research paper thumbnail of Changes of Plasma Fatty Acid Profile and Antioxidant Vitamins during Normal Pregnancy

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Changes of Plasma Fatty Acid Profile and Antioxidant Vitamins during Normal Pregnancy

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) mRNA Expression in Placentas from Normal and IUGR (Intrauterine Growth Restricted) Pregnancies by Real-Time PCR

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) mRNA Expression in Placentas from Normal and IUGR (Intrauterine Growth Restricted) Pregnancies by Real-Time PCR

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Long chain fatty acids and dietary fats in fetal nutrition

The Journal of Physiology, 2009

Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential nutrients for a healthy diet. The different ... more Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential nutrients for a healthy diet. The different kinds consumed by the mother during gestation and lactation may influence pregnancy, fetal and also neonatal outcome. The amount of fatty acids transferred from mother to fetus depends not only on maternal metabolism but also on placental function, i.e. by the uptake, metabolism and then transfer of fatty acids to the fetus. The third trimester of gestation is characterized by an increase of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the fetal circulation, in particular docosahexaenoic acid, especially to support brain growth and visual development. These mechanisms may be altered in pathological conditions, such as intrauterine growth restriction and diabetes, when maternal and fetal plasma levels of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids undergo significant changes. The aim of this review is to describe the maternal and placental factors involved in determining fetal fatty acid availability and metabolism, focusing on the specific role of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in normal and pathological pregnancies.

Research paper thumbnail of Long chain fatty acids and dietary fats in fetal nutrition

The Journal of Physiology, 2009

Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential nutrients for a healthy diet. The different ... more Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential nutrients for a healthy diet. The different kinds consumed by the mother during gestation and lactation may influence pregnancy, fetal and also neonatal outcome. The amount of fatty acids transferred from mother to fetus depends not only on maternal metabolism but also on placental function, i.e. by the uptake, metabolism and then transfer of fatty acids to the fetus. The third trimester of gestation is characterized by an increase of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the fetal circulation, in particular docosahexaenoic acid, especially to support brain growth and visual development. These mechanisms may be altered in pathological conditions, such as intrauterine growth restriction and diabetes, when maternal and fetal plasma levels of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids undergo significant changes. The aim of this review is to describe the maternal and placental factors involved in determining fetal fatty acid availability and metabolism, focusing on the specific role of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in normal and pathological pregnancies.

Research paper thumbnail of Dietary fat intakes for pregnant and lactating women

British Journal of Nutrition, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Dietary fat intakes for pregnant and lactating women

British Journal of Nutrition, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Placental IGF2 Expression in Normal and Intrauterine Growth Restricted (IUGR) Pregnancies

Research paper thumbnail of Placental IGF2 Expression in Normal and Intrauterine Growth Restricted (IUGR) Pregnancies

Research paper thumbnail of Maternal and Fetal Fatty Acid Profile in Normal and Intrauterine Growth Restriction Pregnancies With and Without Preeclampsia

Pediatric Research, 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal and fetal lipid profile in intrauterine growth res... more The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal and fetal lipid profile in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) pregnancies with and without preeclampsia (PE). Thirteen normal pregnancies studied during the third trimester (control M) and 29 at elective cesarean section (control CS) were compared with 18 pregnancies complicated by IUGR (IUGR only) and with seven pregnancies complicated by both IUGR and PE (IUGR-PE). Total plasma fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesterol, and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) were determined in maternal and fetal plasma. Nutritional intake was analyzed. IUGR only mothers had lower percentage of linoleic acid (LA) and higher arachidonic acid (AA) than controls, partly explained by higher AA dietary intake. Higher levels of NEFA were observed both in IUGR only and in IUGR-PE mothers whereas triglyceride levels were increased in IUGR-PE mothers only. In IUGR-PE fetuses, LA and AA were significantly decreased, whereas triglyceride and NEFA concentrations were significantly increased compared with normal fetuses. In conclusion, IUGR only is associated with altered fatty acids profile not completely accounted by dietary changes. We hypothesize that the differences observed in IUGR with PE for triglycerides and other lipids could be related to a difference in maternal phenotype. (Pediatr Res 64: 615-620, 2008)

Research paper thumbnail of Maternal and Fetal Fatty Acid Profile in Normal and Intrauterine Growth Restriction Pregnancies With and Without Preeclampsia

Pediatric Research, 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal and fetal lipid profile in intrauterine growth res... more The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal and fetal lipid profile in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) pregnancies with and without preeclampsia (PE). Thirteen normal pregnancies studied during the third trimester (control M) and 29 at elective cesarean section (control CS) were compared with 18 pregnancies complicated by IUGR (IUGR only) and with seven pregnancies complicated by both IUGR and PE (IUGR-PE). Total plasma fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesterol, and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) were determined in maternal and fetal plasma. Nutritional intake was analyzed. IUGR only mothers had lower percentage of linoleic acid (LA) and higher arachidonic acid (AA) than controls, partly explained by higher AA dietary intake. Higher levels of NEFA were observed both in IUGR only and in IUGR-PE mothers whereas triglyceride levels were increased in IUGR-PE mothers only. In IUGR-PE fetuses, LA and AA were significantly decreased, whereas triglyceride and NEFA concentrations were significantly increased compared with normal fetuses. In conclusion, IUGR only is associated with altered fatty acids profile not completely accounted by dietary changes. We hypothesize that the differences observed in IUGR with PE for triglycerides and other lipids could be related to a difference in maternal phenotype. (Pediatr Res 64: 615-620, 2008)

Research paper thumbnail of Placental LPL Gene Expression Is Increased in Severe Intrauterine Growth-Restricted Pregnancies

Pediatric Research, 2006

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with reduced placental supply of nutrients t... more Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with reduced placental supply of nutrients to the fetus. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mediates the hydrolysis of triglycerides from maternal lipoproteins to obtain fatty acids. Here, we tested the hypothesis that placental LPL gene expression level is altered in pregnancies complicated by IUGR. To this purpose, 28 IUGR fetuses were identified during pregnancy and divided in two groups: 7 M-IUGR ["mild" IUGR, with normal umbilical artery pulsatility index (PI)] and 21 S-IUGR ("severe" IUGR, with abnormal PI). Moreover, 10 out of 28 IUGR pregnancies were associated with preeclampsia. Controls were 19 normal pregnancies delivering appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses. Relative real-time quantification of LPL was carried out in RNA from placental chorionic villi by the ⌬⌬Ct method, using ␤-actin as normalizing gene. Placental LPL mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in IUGR than in AGA. In particular, significantly higher values were observed in S-IUGR, independent from the concomitant association with preeclampsia. No significant relationship was observed between placental LPL mRNA expression levels or gestational age. In conclusion, placental LPL mRNA gene expression is increased in severe IUGR, characterized by enhanced vascular placental resistances and alterations of placental nutrient transport.

Research paper thumbnail of Placental LPL Gene Expression Is Increased in Severe Intrauterine Growth-Restricted Pregnancies

Pediatric Research, 2006

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with reduced placental supply of nutrients t... more Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with reduced placental supply of nutrients to the fetus. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mediates the hydrolysis of triglycerides from maternal lipoproteins to obtain fatty acids. Here, we tested the hypothesis that placental LPL gene expression level is altered in pregnancies complicated by IUGR. To this purpose, 28 IUGR fetuses were identified during pregnancy and divided in two groups: 7 M-IUGR ["mild" IUGR, with normal umbilical artery pulsatility index (PI)] and 21 S-IUGR ("severe" IUGR, with abnormal PI). Moreover, 10 out of 28 IUGR pregnancies were associated with preeclampsia. Controls were 19 normal pregnancies delivering appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses. Relative real-time quantification of LPL was carried out in RNA from placental chorionic villi by the ⌬⌬Ct method, using ␤-actin as normalizing gene. Placental LPL mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in IUGR than in AGA. In particular, significantly higher values were observed in S-IUGR, independent from the concomitant association with preeclampsia. No significant relationship was observed between placental LPL mRNA expression levels or gestational age. In conclusion, placental LPL mRNA gene expression is increased in severe IUGR, characterized by enhanced vascular placental resistances and alterations of placental nutrient transport.

Research paper thumbnail of Fetal nutrition: A review

Acta Paediatrica, 2005

Knowledge of fetal nutrient supply has greatly increased in the last decade due to the availabili... more Knowledge of fetal nutrient supply has greatly increased in the last decade due to the availability of fetal blood samples obtained under relatively steady-state conditions. These studies, together with studies utilizing stable isotope methodologies, have clarified some aspects of the supply of the major nutrients for the fetus such as glucose, amino acids and fatty acids. At the same time, the relevance of intrauterine growth has been recognized not only for the well-being of the neonate and child, but also for later health in adulthood. The major determinants of fetal nutrient availability are maternal nutrition and metabolism together with placental function and metabolism. The regulation of the rate of intrauterine growth is the result of complex interactions between genetic inheritance, endocrine environment and availability of nutrients to the fetus.

Research paper thumbnail of Consensus Statement

British Journal of …, 2007

Consensus recommendations on behalf of the European Commission research projects Perinatal Lipid ... more Consensus recommendations on behalf of the European Commission research projects Perinatal Lipid Metabolism (PeriLip; www.perilip.org) and Early Nutrition Programming (EARNEST; www.metabolic-programming.org), developed jointly with representatives of the Child ...

Research paper thumbnail of OC250: Fetal oxygen uptake in normal and IUGR pregnancies

Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2007

Objectives: To examine the relationship between smallness, assessed by customized standards, and ... more Objectives: To examine the relationship between smallness, assessed by customized standards, and the predictive value of a normal umbilical artery Doppler. Methods: A cohort was created of 7645 singleton pregnancies without congenital anomalies. Fetuses suspected antenatally of being small for gestational age were referred for assessment by umbilical artery Doppler. The associations with adverse outcome were assessed for small-for-gestational age babies who had normal and abnormal Doppler, compared with neonates who were not small for gestational age. Perinatal outcome indicators were collected, including fetal distress requiring Cesarean section and neonatal morbidity (neonatal intensive care > 14 days, neonatal seizures, intraventricular hemorrhage Grade III or more, periventricular leucomalacia, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or necrotizing enterocolitis).

Research paper thumbnail of Intrauterine Growth Restriction: Implications for Placental Metabolism and Transport. A Review

Research paper thumbnail of The endocrine and metabolic profile of the growth-retarded fetus

Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism : JPEM, 2001

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is characterized by the failure of the fetus to grow at a ... more Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is characterized by the failure of the fetus to grow at a normal rate in utero and is associated with a number of endocrine and metabolic changes. Our knowledge of the placental nutrient supply and the endocrine status of the fetal-placental unit during pregnancies involving IUGR has greatly increased over the past decade as a result of the availability of fetal blood samples obtained under relatively steady state conditions. These studies have provided evidence that the supply of glucose is impaired only under severe conditions, whereas placental transfer of amino acids is reduced even in fetuses with normal oxygenation and feto-placental blood flow. Moreover, significant in utero relationships have been reported between fetal weight and circulating levels of growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor-I and leptin. When measured per kg fetal weight, however, levels of leptin are significantly higher in growth-retarded fetuses, with abno...

Research paper thumbnail of The endocrine and metabolic profile of the growth-retarded fetus

Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism : JPEM, 2001

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is characterized by the failure of the fetus to grow at a ... more Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is characterized by the failure of the fetus to grow at a normal rate in utero and is associated with a number of endocrine and metabolic changes. Our knowledge of the placental nutrient supply and the endocrine status of the fetal-placental unit during pregnancies involving IUGR has greatly increased over the past decade as a result of the availability of fetal blood samples obtained under relatively steady state conditions. These studies have provided evidence that the supply of glucose is impaired only under severe conditions, whereas placental transfer of amino acids is reduced even in fetuses with normal oxygenation and feto-placental blood flow. Moreover, significant in utero relationships have been reported between fetal weight and circulating levels of growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor-I and leptin. When measured per kg fetal weight, however, levels of leptin are significantly higher in growth-retarded fetuses, with abno...

Research paper thumbnail of Changes of Plasma Fatty Acid Profile and Antioxidant Vitamins during Normal Pregnancy

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Changes of Plasma Fatty Acid Profile and Antioxidant Vitamins during Normal Pregnancy

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) mRNA Expression in Placentas from Normal and IUGR (Intrauterine Growth Restricted) Pregnancies by Real-Time PCR

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) mRNA Expression in Placentas from Normal and IUGR (Intrauterine Growth Restricted) Pregnancies by Real-Time PCR

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Long chain fatty acids and dietary fats in fetal nutrition

The Journal of Physiology, 2009

Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential nutrients for a healthy diet. The different ... more Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential nutrients for a healthy diet. The different kinds consumed by the mother during gestation and lactation may influence pregnancy, fetal and also neonatal outcome. The amount of fatty acids transferred from mother to fetus depends not only on maternal metabolism but also on placental function, i.e. by the uptake, metabolism and then transfer of fatty acids to the fetus. The third trimester of gestation is characterized by an increase of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the fetal circulation, in particular docosahexaenoic acid, especially to support brain growth and visual development. These mechanisms may be altered in pathological conditions, such as intrauterine growth restriction and diabetes, when maternal and fetal plasma levels of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids undergo significant changes. The aim of this review is to describe the maternal and placental factors involved in determining fetal fatty acid availability and metabolism, focusing on the specific role of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in normal and pathological pregnancies.

Research paper thumbnail of Long chain fatty acids and dietary fats in fetal nutrition

The Journal of Physiology, 2009

Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential nutrients for a healthy diet. The different ... more Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential nutrients for a healthy diet. The different kinds consumed by the mother during gestation and lactation may influence pregnancy, fetal and also neonatal outcome. The amount of fatty acids transferred from mother to fetus depends not only on maternal metabolism but also on placental function, i.e. by the uptake, metabolism and then transfer of fatty acids to the fetus. The third trimester of gestation is characterized by an increase of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the fetal circulation, in particular docosahexaenoic acid, especially to support brain growth and visual development. These mechanisms may be altered in pathological conditions, such as intrauterine growth restriction and diabetes, when maternal and fetal plasma levels of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids undergo significant changes. The aim of this review is to describe the maternal and placental factors involved in determining fetal fatty acid availability and metabolism, focusing on the specific role of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in normal and pathological pregnancies.

Research paper thumbnail of Dietary fat intakes for pregnant and lactating women

British Journal of Nutrition, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Dietary fat intakes for pregnant and lactating women

British Journal of Nutrition, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Placental IGF2 Expression in Normal and Intrauterine Growth Restricted (IUGR) Pregnancies

Research paper thumbnail of Placental IGF2 Expression in Normal and Intrauterine Growth Restricted (IUGR) Pregnancies

Research paper thumbnail of Maternal and Fetal Fatty Acid Profile in Normal and Intrauterine Growth Restriction Pregnancies With and Without Preeclampsia

Pediatric Research, 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal and fetal lipid profile in intrauterine growth res... more The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal and fetal lipid profile in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) pregnancies with and without preeclampsia (PE). Thirteen normal pregnancies studied during the third trimester (control M) and 29 at elective cesarean section (control CS) were compared with 18 pregnancies complicated by IUGR (IUGR only) and with seven pregnancies complicated by both IUGR and PE (IUGR-PE). Total plasma fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesterol, and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) were determined in maternal and fetal plasma. Nutritional intake was analyzed. IUGR only mothers had lower percentage of linoleic acid (LA) and higher arachidonic acid (AA) than controls, partly explained by higher AA dietary intake. Higher levels of NEFA were observed both in IUGR only and in IUGR-PE mothers whereas triglyceride levels were increased in IUGR-PE mothers only. In IUGR-PE fetuses, LA and AA were significantly decreased, whereas triglyceride and NEFA concentrations were significantly increased compared with normal fetuses. In conclusion, IUGR only is associated with altered fatty acids profile not completely accounted by dietary changes. We hypothesize that the differences observed in IUGR with PE for triglycerides and other lipids could be related to a difference in maternal phenotype. (Pediatr Res 64: 615-620, 2008)

Research paper thumbnail of Maternal and Fetal Fatty Acid Profile in Normal and Intrauterine Growth Restriction Pregnancies With and Without Preeclampsia

Pediatric Research, 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal and fetal lipid profile in intrauterine growth res... more The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal and fetal lipid profile in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) pregnancies with and without preeclampsia (PE). Thirteen normal pregnancies studied during the third trimester (control M) and 29 at elective cesarean section (control CS) were compared with 18 pregnancies complicated by IUGR (IUGR only) and with seven pregnancies complicated by both IUGR and PE (IUGR-PE). Total plasma fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesterol, and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) were determined in maternal and fetal plasma. Nutritional intake was analyzed. IUGR only mothers had lower percentage of linoleic acid (LA) and higher arachidonic acid (AA) than controls, partly explained by higher AA dietary intake. Higher levels of NEFA were observed both in IUGR only and in IUGR-PE mothers whereas triglyceride levels were increased in IUGR-PE mothers only. In IUGR-PE fetuses, LA and AA were significantly decreased, whereas triglyceride and NEFA concentrations were significantly increased compared with normal fetuses. In conclusion, IUGR only is associated with altered fatty acids profile not completely accounted by dietary changes. We hypothesize that the differences observed in IUGR with PE for triglycerides and other lipids could be related to a difference in maternal phenotype. (Pediatr Res 64: 615-620, 2008)

Research paper thumbnail of Placental LPL Gene Expression Is Increased in Severe Intrauterine Growth-Restricted Pregnancies

Pediatric Research, 2006

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with reduced placental supply of nutrients t... more Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with reduced placental supply of nutrients to the fetus. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mediates the hydrolysis of triglycerides from maternal lipoproteins to obtain fatty acids. Here, we tested the hypothesis that placental LPL gene expression level is altered in pregnancies complicated by IUGR. To this purpose, 28 IUGR fetuses were identified during pregnancy and divided in two groups: 7 M-IUGR ["mild" IUGR, with normal umbilical artery pulsatility index (PI)] and 21 S-IUGR ("severe" IUGR, with abnormal PI). Moreover, 10 out of 28 IUGR pregnancies were associated with preeclampsia. Controls were 19 normal pregnancies delivering appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses. Relative real-time quantification of LPL was carried out in RNA from placental chorionic villi by the ⌬⌬Ct method, using ␤-actin as normalizing gene. Placental LPL mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in IUGR than in AGA. In particular, significantly higher values were observed in S-IUGR, independent from the concomitant association with preeclampsia. No significant relationship was observed between placental LPL mRNA expression levels or gestational age. In conclusion, placental LPL mRNA gene expression is increased in severe IUGR, characterized by enhanced vascular placental resistances and alterations of placental nutrient transport.

Research paper thumbnail of Placental LPL Gene Expression Is Increased in Severe Intrauterine Growth-Restricted Pregnancies

Pediatric Research, 2006

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with reduced placental supply of nutrients t... more Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with reduced placental supply of nutrients to the fetus. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mediates the hydrolysis of triglycerides from maternal lipoproteins to obtain fatty acids. Here, we tested the hypothesis that placental LPL gene expression level is altered in pregnancies complicated by IUGR. To this purpose, 28 IUGR fetuses were identified during pregnancy and divided in two groups: 7 M-IUGR ["mild" IUGR, with normal umbilical artery pulsatility index (PI)] and 21 S-IUGR ("severe" IUGR, with abnormal PI). Moreover, 10 out of 28 IUGR pregnancies were associated with preeclampsia. Controls were 19 normal pregnancies delivering appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses. Relative real-time quantification of LPL was carried out in RNA from placental chorionic villi by the ⌬⌬Ct method, using ␤-actin as normalizing gene. Placental LPL mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in IUGR than in AGA. In particular, significantly higher values were observed in S-IUGR, independent from the concomitant association with preeclampsia. No significant relationship was observed between placental LPL mRNA expression levels or gestational age. In conclusion, placental LPL mRNA gene expression is increased in severe IUGR, characterized by enhanced vascular placental resistances and alterations of placental nutrient transport.