Genetic determinants of low birth weight.

Genetic determinants of low birth weight. Minerva Ginecol. 2017 Mar 21;: Authors: Mallia T, Grech A, Hili A, Calleja Agius J, Pace NP Abstract Birth weight depends on the elaborate interaction between maternal and foetal genotypes, placental function, maternal nutrition and lifestyle and their effect on epigenetic regulators ofgene activity. The maternal environment in which the foetus develops is a critical factor indetermining birth weight. This review provides an overview of the effect of several geneticvariants leading to intrauterine growth restriction and low birth weight. Irrespective of theexact cause of genetic variations of foetal genes, intrauterine growth restriction is most likelydue to alteration in the growth hormone and insulin like growth factor axis with distinctchanges in the growth factors and their interaction with corresponding receptors. Interactionsalso occur between the foetal genotype and the intrauterine environment, influencingexpression certain genes required for foetal growth. Genomic imprinting is an importantmechanism whereby the restraint of foetal growth could be determined through the maternalline. Furthermore, maternal cigarette smoking results in genetic variations in two specificgenes, which interact synergistically, resulting in low birth weight. Confined placentalmosaicism can also lead to clinically compelling intrauterine growth restriction or evenintrauterine foetal death. PMID: 2832...
Source: Minerva Ginecologica - Category: OBGYN Tags: Minerva Ginecol Source Type: research