Expression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (Igf1) and its Receptor (Igfr1) in Two Extremely Pre-Term Placentas

Abstract

Summary Today extremely premature children readily survive; good quality of life can be reached only with research and technology based approaches, therefore understanding of molecular processes taking place in pre-term placentas can be of practical value both for neonatology and pediatric surgery, as complications of prematurity quite often require surgical interventions. The present case report describes the expression of one of the most significant growth factors IGF1 and its receptor IGFR1 in placentas after extremely pre-term deliveries of 22 and 23 gestational weeks and their correlations with clinical findings of corresponding extremely premature children. Significantly more beneficial clinical course is represented by a child with clinically less advantageous situation: smaller gestational age (22w versus 23 w) and birthweight (540g v. 650g), born in the first vaginal delivery (v. repeated delivery) and recently ruptured membranes (v. PPROM > 72 hours). Placental cells of this child contained abundance of IGF1 and IGFR1 positive structures (v. few structures in the other one), possibly revealing better protective features of placenta, improving survival capabilities of the neonate in cases of extreme prematurity.