Canadian researchers have discovered the molecular glitch that explains why so many women lose their babies late in their pregnancy. Known as foetal growth restriction, the condition strikes three percent of all pregnancies and is a leading cause of infant deaths.
Earlier research had shown that a gene producing a protein known as insulin like growth factor II, or IGF2, was critical to feed the foetus and help foetal cells divide and grow.
The Canadian research showed that the normal form of this protein has a very long chemical structure. However, to function properly when helping to build the placenta, another molecule, PC4, has to effectively work like scissors and cut the growth-factor protein to a length crucial to a healthy pregnancy.
"We have found the [molecular] scissors in some women are not sharp enough, or they just don't have enough scissors, said Dr. Andree Gruslin. Gruslin has found some success with certain interventions, but stresses she can offer no scientific research to explain their effectiveness at this point.
Earlier research had shown that a gene producing a protein known as insulin like growth factor II, or IGF2, was critical to feed the foetus and help foetal cells divide and grow.
The Canadian research showed that the normal form of this protein has a very long chemical structure. However, to function properly when helping to build the placenta, another molecule, PC4, has to effectively work like scissors and cut the growth-factor protein to a length crucial to a healthy pregnancy.
"We have found the [molecular] scissors in some women are not sharp enough, or they just don't have enough scissors, said Dr. Andree Gruslin. Gruslin has found some success with certain interventions, but stresses she can offer no scientific research to explain their effectiveness at this point.
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