PLACENTAL TRANSPORT PROTEINS AND FETAL GROWTH RESTRICTION: A BIOCHEMISTRY–PHYSIOLOGY INTERFACE
Main Article Content
Keywords
Placental transport proteins, Fetal growth restriction, GLUT, SNAT, LAT, FATP, ABC transporters, Placental morphology, Neonatal outcomes
Abstract
To investigate the relationship between placental transport protein expression and fetal growth restriction, highlighting the biochemical physiological mechanisms linking placental function to neonatal outcomes.
Methods
A prospective observational study was conducted at Khyber Girls Medical College, Peshawar, from January 2023 to January 2024. Seventy-three women were enrolled and categorized into FGR (n=35) and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) groups (n=38). Maternal demographics, neonatal outcomes, and placental morphology were recorded. Placental samples were analyzed for the expression of glucose transporters (GLUT1, GLUT3), amino acid transporters (SNAT2, LAT1), fatty acid transport proteins (FATP, CD36), and ABC transporters (P-gp, BCRP) using qRT-PCR and Western blotting.
Results
Mothers of FGR neonates showed a higher frequency of hypertensive disorders (p=0.02). Neonates in the FGR group had significantly lower birth weight, length, and head circumference compared to controls (p<0.001). Placental weight and thickness were reduced, with infarcts and calcifications more common in FGR cases. Expression of GLUT1, GLUT3, SNAT2, LAT1, FATP, and CD36 was significantly downregulated in the FGR group (p<0.001), while P-gp and BCRP were upregulated (p<0.001).
Conclusion
Altered expression of placental transport proteins is strongly associated with fetal growth restriction. Reduced nutrient transporter activity coupled with increased efflux transporter expression may impair fetal supply, contributing to restricted growth. These findings underscore the importance of placental biochemistry in fetal outcomes and suggest potential avenues for therapeutic intervention.
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Dr Farida Mujahid
Senior Lecturer, Department of Biochemistry, Khyber Girls Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan
Dr Hina Umair
Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Wah Medical College, NUMS, Wah Cantt, Pakistan
Dr Gulnaz Begum
Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Khyber Girls Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan
Dr Ommia Kalsoom
Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Women Medical College, Abbottabad, Pakistan
Dr Muhammad Razaq
Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Jinnah Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan
Dr Uzma Faryal
Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Women Medical and Dental College, Abbottabad, Pakistan