IGF, adiponectin and PPAR signalling pathways in placenta in SGA, AGA and LGA births

Fetal growth is influenced by molecular systems, including the insulin/IGF system, adiponectin, and PPAR signalling pathways. In this project, we will investigate gene and protein expression related to these pathways in placental tissue and cord blood from infants born small, appropriate, or large-for-gestational age (SGA, AGA, or LGA, respectively) and associated first-trimester maternal serum. We will include 55 LGA-, 109 AGA-, and 61 SGA-born term infants, and the placental expression of 22 genes, including IGF1, IGF2, IGF2R, IGFBP2, and PPARA, will be analysed. Differentially expressed genes will be further analyzed using immunohistochemistry. The concentrations of IGF1, IGF2, sIGF2R, and IGFBP2 in cord blood and maternal serum samples (including PAPP-A) will be analysed using ELISA. This project will increase our understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in fetal growth and potentially identify new biomarkers of aberrant fetal growth