Morphometric analysis of terminal villi and gross morphological changes in the placentae of term idiopathic intrauterine growth restriction

Analysis of homeobox gene action may reveal novel angiogenic pathways in normal placental vasculature and in clinical pregnancy disorders associated with abnormal placental angiogenesis.

“…FGR affects 4–7% of live births in developed countries and contributes significantly to prematurity, perinatal morbidity, and mortality (Wang et al, 2007). Investigations using random block sampling and stereological studies reported reductions in the number, surface area, and volume of terminal villi in FGR-affected placentae, compared with placentae from uncomplicated pregnancies (Biagiotti et al, 1999; Egbor et al, 2006; Biswas et al, 2008; Vedmedovska et al, 2011; Almasry et al, 2012; Almasry and Elfayomy, 2012). Additionally, villous vessels exhibited fewer branches, and a majority of the vessels were slender and uncoiled (Teasdale, 1984; Teasdale and Jean-Jacques, 1988; Jackson et al, 1995; Chen et al, 2002; Mayhew, 2003; Tomas et al, 2010).…”

Ultrasound Features of the Formation of the Maternal-Placental Complex in Cases of Hyperandrogenism as Observed during the First and Second Trimesters of Pregnancy

“…However, hyperechoic structures are characterized by the rate of histogenesis, the degree of differentiation of the villous stroma, and the level of compensatory reaction (direct relation). 1,39,26,40 The sonographic measurements of placental thickness did not reveal any differences between the studied groups. Dilatation of the marginal sinus by more than 7 mm was observed in seven (16.7%) women in the hyperandrogenia group and in one (2.7%) woman in the control group (Fig.…”

“…Excess calcium is considered to be unfavorable and is observed in placentas exhibiting premature maturation. 1,28,39,40 As distinct from healthy pregnant women, six (23.1%) hyper androgenic women had additional placental lobes, three (11.6%) had retroplacental hematomas, and six (23.1%) had marginal sinus dilatation. Premature placental maturation was found in 12 (15.4%) women with hyperandrogenia and in four (15.4%) women in the control group.…”

“…1,14 The maximal nearness of capillaries to the syncytial epithelium in terminal villi was observed in the placentas of the hyperandrogenia group and is considered to be the result of the formation of a syncytio-capillary membrane. The fetal vessels in these villi were situated very close together and were filled with mature erythrocytes.…”

“…The gestational reconstruction of myometrial segments of the maternal and placental arteries also occurs during the second trimester. 1,39 Disturbances at any stage of gestation as a result of hyperandrogenism may lead to placental dysfunction with nonspecific morphological indicators (including the develop ment of dissociated villi, premature placental maturation, excessive fibrinoid deposits, calcinosis, and increased syncytial knots). Some studies have shown decreases in fetal and placental weights because of excess maternal androgen.…”