Human placental growth hormone (PGH), encoded by the growth hormone (GH) variant gene on chromosome 17, is expressed in the syncytiotrophoblast and extravillous cytotrophoblast layers of the human placenta. Its maternal serum levels increase throughout pregnancy, and gradually replaces the pulsatile secreted pituitary GH. PGH is also detectable in cord blood and in the amniotic fluid. This placental-origin hormone stimulates glyconeogenesis, lipolysis and anabolism in maternal organs, and influences fetal growth, placental development and maternal adaptation to pregnancy. The majority of these actions are performed indirectly by regulating maternal insulin-like growth factor-I levels, while the extravillous trophoblast involvement indicates a direct effect on placental development, as it stimulates trophoblast invasiveness and function via a potential combination of autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. The current review focuses on the role of PGH in fetal growth. In addition, the association of PGH alterations in maternal circulation and placental expression in pregnancy complications associated with abnormal fetal growth is briefly reviewed.

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IntroductionSuicide attempts/thoughts are common among psychiatric inpatients and they are burden for the individual, the family and the health system. According to published reports, suicidality in Greece has increased significantly, because of the current economic crisis.ObjectiveExamine the profile of psychiatric inpatients of the Psychiatric Department of the University Hospital of Crete(PD/UHC), presenting with suicide attempts/ thoughts.AimIdentify risk factors associated with attempted suicide or suicidal thoughts.MethodsOne hundred forty four out of 444 (33%) inpatients admitted in the PD/UHC between Nov 2011- Aug 2012 presented suicidal attempts/thoughts. Data were analyzed using the Pearson's chi-square test and multivariable regression models.ResultsMajor Depression, substance abuse, female gender and having a spouse were associated with suicidality in the entire group. Because there was an interaction between gender and having children, the analysis was stratified by gender. Risk factors for suicidality in men were having children (OR=2.26) and shorter time since onset of illness (OR= 0.96), and in women having a spouse (OR=2.47). Low income and unemployment were not significant predictors of suicidality.ConclusionsMajor Depression, substance abuse, female gender, family status and recent onset of illness appear to be risk factors associated with suicidality in psychiatric inpatients. Unemployment/low income, did not correlate with suicidality. Our findings do not support the popular belief of increased suicidality due to the current economic crisis. Finally, there is a need for further understanding of how family, its dynamics and potential stressors associated with it, may influence suicidality.

IntroductionDeinstitutionalization in Crete, as part of the psychiatric reform, resulted in the closure of the only psychiatric hospital of the island in 2006.ObjectivesTo explore the trends of yearly involuntary admissions in the Psychiatric Department of the University Hospital of Crete (PD/UHC) (2008-2011), the only inpatient public unit to receive involuntary admissions in a region of 400,000 residents, and the profile of the patients admitted.AimsTo find possible associations between the closure of the Psychiatric Hospital in Crete and the number of involuntary admissions.MethodsWe examined the records of total and involuntary admissions in PD/UHC between 2008–2011. In a subset of 400 inpatients admitted between Nov/2011 and Aug/2012, sociodemographic/psychopathology parameters were also examined. Statistical analysis was conducted with chi-square and regression analysis models.ResultsYearly involuntary admissions have increased by 245% during a period of 4 years, with the number of total admissions having increased by 22%. Within the subset of patients admitted during the last year, involuntary admissions account for the 47% of total admissions. Mean age of patients was 41.3 ± 1.38 years. Chi-square tests showed that male gender, aggression and positive psychotic symptoms at admission, absence of spouse/children are associated with involuntary admissions. Multivariate analysis revealed significant correlations for male gender and aggression.ConclusionDeinstitutionalization, i.e. closure of the only psychiatric hospital in Crete, has resulted in a significant and marked increase of involuntary admissions, a fact that also reflects the lack of community services and infrastructure.

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